A copy of the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy Statutes, Rules and Regulations (before amendments) is available for download for printing and reference. To download: Right-Click this link, and select the save as type option from the menu.
 

Amended Statutory Law
and
Modifications - Rules and Regulations

Senate Bill 2128 passed during the 2010 Regular Legislative Session and effective from and after July 1, 2010, may be found at this link: Senate Bill 2128 .

The Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy has ammended its Rules and Regulations as related to the 2010 statutory changes.

MISSISSIPPI
STATE BOARD OF
PUBLIC ACCOUNTANCY

Public Accountancy Statutes
Miss. Code § 73-33-1, et. seq.

and

Rules and Regulations

 

Forward

The Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy adopts the Rules and Regulations under the authority of Title 73, Chapter 33 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended.

The purpose of the Rules and Regulations is to promote and protect the public interest, providing specific requirements necessary to properly administer the Mississippi accountancy statutes regulating certified public accountants.

The Rules and Regulations are binding upon every individual registering and holding a certificate as certified public accountant (CPA). Each CPA is charged with possessing knowledge and understanding of, and maintaining compliance with the Mississippi accountancy statutes and the Rules and Regulations.

If you have questions concerning the statutes or the Rules and Regulations, please contact:

Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy
5 Old River Place, Suite 104
Jackson, MS 39202-3449

Telephone: 601-354-7320
Facsimile: 601-354-7290
Email: email@msbpa.state.ms.us
www.msbpa.state.ms.us



The State Board provides each certified public accountant a copy of these laws and Rules and Regulations. The State Board distributes others as requests for public information in accordance with The Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983.

Table of Contents

(Note: Click on the red links to go to the corresponding section)

PUBLIC ACCOUNTANCY STATUTES

§ 73-33-1 CPA license; CPA firm permit requirements

§ 73-33-2 Definitions

§ 73-33-3 Board of Public Accountancy; composition; appointment of members; meetings

§ 73-33-5 Powers and duties of board; examinations; standards of practice

§ 73-33-7 CPA license and CPA firm permit registration; registration fees

§ 73-33-8 Payment and deposit in state treasury

§ 73-33-9 Applicants of other states

§ 73-33-11 Revocation, cancellation, or suspension of licenses and permits; powers of Board of Public Accountancy as trial board; costs; appeals

§ 73-33-12 Proceedings, records and work papers of independent review committee privileged

§ 73-33-13 Criminal penalties for false representation or practice without CPA license, firm permit

§ 73-33-15 Restrictions and criminal penalties for violations; exceptions

§ 73-33-16 Ownership of working papers; confidential and privileged information

§ 73-33-17 Temporary and incident practice exceptions to reciprocity

§ 73-33-18 Disclaimer report language by persons not subject to this chapter

§ 73-33-19 July 1, 1999, conversion to one-tier licensure license issuance to nonlicensees


RULES AND REGULATIONS

Definitions

Chapter 1. Restrictions on Use of the Title Certified Public Accountant
1.1. Restrictions
1.2. Violations

Chapter 2. Licenses
2.1. Requirements
2.2. CPA Examination
2.3. Registration
2.4. Reinstatement of a License
2.5. Retirement Status or Permanent Disability
2.6. Reciprocity
2.7. Replacement Certificate of Licensure

Chapter 3. CPA Firm Permits
3.1. General Requirements
3.2. Reinstatement of a CPA Firm Permit

Chapter 4. Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
4.1. Compliance Requirements
4.2. Records and Reporting
4.3. Qualifying Programs
4.4. Program Sponsors & Presentation Standards
4.5. Disciplinary Actions Relating to CPE

Chapter 5. Practice Review Program (Peer Review)
5.1. Purpose
5.2. Definitions
5.3. Practice Review
5.4. Reporting to the Board
5.5. Phase-in Provision
5.6. Requirements of Sponsoring Organizations’ Peer Review Programs
5.7. Board Oversight - Practice Review
5.8. Investigations

Chapter 6. Rules of Professional Conduct
6.1. Preamble
6.2. Independence
6.3. Integrity
6.4. Objectivity
6.5. Solicitation, Advertising and Public Communication
6.6. Commissions
6.7. Contingent Fees
6.8. Competence
6.9. Auditing Standards
6.10. Accounting Principles
6.11. Other Professional Standards
6.12. Confidential Client Information
6.13. Records
6.14. Discreditable Conduct
6.15. Discipline by Federal and State Authorities
6.16. Form of Practice
6.17. Prohibited Acts

Chapter 7. Disciplinary Actions
7.7.1. Charge or allegation
7.7.2. Investigation

Chapter 8. State Board of Public Accountancy
8.1. Appointments
8.2. Meetings, Organization, and Duties
8.3. Employees

Chapter 9. Administrative Procedures Rules

Schedule of Fees

MISSISSIPPI PUBLIC ACCOUNTANCY STATUTES


TITLE 73, CHAPTER 33
OF THE MISSISSIPPI CODE 1972


Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy
 

§ 73-33-1.

(1)  Any person residing or having a place for the regular transaction of business in the State of Mississippi being of good moral character, and who shall have received from the State Board of Public Accountancy a license certifying his qualifications as a certified public accountant as hereinafter provided, shall be styled or known as a certified public accountant, and it shall be unlawful for any other person or persons to assume such title or use any letters, abbreviations or words to indicate that such person using same is a certified public accountant, unless such person qualifies for a practice privilege under Section 73-33-17, or at the discretion of the board, such person has been granted use of the title of "certified public accountant retired" by the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy or has received a reciprocal certified public accountant license from the State Board of Public Accountancy.

(2)  A certified public accountant practicing public accounting under a Mississippi license must be associated and registered with a certified public accountant firm.

(3)  The State Board of Public Accountancy shall grant and renew permits to practice as a CPA firm to applicants that demonstrate their qualifications in accordance with this section.

(a)  The following shall hold a permit issued under this section:  any firm with an office in this state that practices public accountancy or that uses the title "CPA" or "CPA firm," and any firm that does not have an office in this state but performs the services described in Section 73-33-17(4) for a client having its home office in this state.

(b)  A firm that does not have an office in this state may perform a review of a financial statement to be performed in accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services, or a compilation as defined in Section 73-33-2(d), for a client having its home office in this state and may use the title "CPA" and "CPA firm" without a permit issued under this section only if such firm has the qualifications described in subsection (4), complies with the peer review requirements set forth by board rule, and performs such services through an individual with practice privileges under Section 73-33-17.

(c)  A firm that is not subject to the requirements of paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection may perform other professional services within the practice of public accountancy while using the title "CPA" and "CPA firm" in this state without a permit issued under this section only if such firm performs such services through an individual with practice privileges under Section 73-33-17 and such firm can lawfully do so in the state where the individuals with practice privileges have their principal place of business.

(4)  In order to obtain and maintain a firm permit, a certified public accountant firm shall be required to show the following:

(a)  It is wholly owned by natural persons and not owned in whole or in part by business entities; and

(b)  A simple majority of the ownership of the firm in terms of financial interests and/or voting rights hold  certified public accountant licenses in any state; however, the individuals whose principal place of business is in Mississippi and who perform professional services in this state shall hold a Mississippi certified public accountant license, and that individuals who qualify for practice privileges under Section 73-33-17 who perform services for which a firm permit is required under Section 73-33-17(4) shall not be required to obtain a certificate pursuant to Section 73-33-3 or 73-33-9; and

(5)  Any certified public accountant firm may include nonlicensee owners, provided that:

(a)  The firm designates a licensee of this state who is responsible for the proper registration of the firm and identifies that individual to the board; or in the case of a firm without a Mississippi office which must have a permit pursuant to subsection (3)(a), the firm designates a licensee of another state who meets the requirements provided in Section 73-33-17;

(b)  All nonlicensee owners are active individual participants in the certified public accountant firm or affiliated entities; and

(c)  The firm complies with such other requirements as the board may impose by rule.

(6)  Unless exempt from the firm permit requirement under Section 73-33-1(3), no person or persons shall engage in the practice of public accounting as defined herein as a partnership, joint venture or professional corporation, sole proprietor, or other business organization allowed by law, unless and until each business organization or office thereof located inside the State of Mississippi has registered with and been issued a firm permit by the State Board of Public Accountancy.

Sources: Codes, Hemingway's 1921 Supp. § 6661a; 1930, § 5911; 1942, § 8905; Laws,  1920, ch. 211; Laws, 1981, ch. 445, § 1; reenacted and amended, 1983, ch. 411, § 1; reenacted, 1991, ch. 306, § 1; Laws, 1999, ch. 533, § 1; Laws, 2007, ch. 467, § 1; Laws, 2008, ch. 331, § 1, eff from and after July 1, 2009.

§ 73-33-2.

For the purposes of this chapter, unless context requires otherwise:

(a)  "Attest" means providing the following financial statement services:  any audit or other engagement to be performed in accordance with the Statements on Auditing Standards (SAS); any review of a financial statement to be performed in accordance with the Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARS); any examination of prospective financial information to be performed with the Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE); and any engagement to be performed in accordance with the Auditing Standards of the PCAOB.

(b)  "Certified public accountant," "CPA," or "licensee" means an individual who holds a license issued by the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy to practice public accounting or qualifies for a practice privilege under Section 73-33-17.  The term "license" is used synonymously for the terms "certificate" or "certification."

(c)  "Certified public accountant firm" or "CPA firm" means any professional corporation, partnership, joint venture, professional association, sole proprietor, or other business organization or office thereof allowable under state law and under the qualifications as set in the rules and regulations of the board maintained for the purpose of performing or offering to perform public accounting. 

(d)  "Compilation" means a service to be performed in accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARS) that is presenting, in the form of financial statements, information that is the representation of management (owners) without undertaking to express any assurance on the statements.

(e)  "Practice of, or practicing, CPA public accounting or CPA public accountancy" means the performance, the offering to perform, or maintaining an office by a person, persons or firm holding itself out to the public as certified public accountant(s) or CPA firm, for a client or potential client, or certified public accountant(s) or CPA firm performing one or more kinds of services involving the use of accounting or auditing skills, including, but not limited to, the issuance of reports on financial statements, or of one or more kinds of management advisory, financial advisory or consulting services, or the preparation of tax returns or the furnishing of advice on tax matters.

(f)  "Firm permit to practice public accounting" means a permit issued by the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy permitting a certified public accountant firm to practice CPA public accounting, and "permit holder" means a certified public accountant firm holding such permit.

(g)  "Substantial equivalency" means a determination by the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy or its designee that another jurisdiction's licensure requirements are comparable to or exceed those contained in Section 73-33-17(1), or that an individual who holds a valid license as a certified public accountant has education, examination and experience qualifications that are comparable to or exceed those contained in Section 73-33-17(1).  In ascertaining substantial equivalency as used in this chapter, the board shall take into account the qualifications without regard to the sequence in which experience, education or examination qualifications were attained.

(h)  "Principal place of business" means the office location designated by the licensee for purposes of substantial equivalency and reciprocity.

(i)  "Home office" is the location specified by the client as the address to which a service described in Section 73-33-17(4) is directed.

Sources: Laws, 1999, ch. 533, § 2; Laws, 2008, ch. 331, § 2, eff from and after July 1, 2009.

§ 73-33-3.

(1) There shall be a board of public accountancy, consisting of seven (7) members, who are qualified electors of this state; their duties, powers and qualifications are herein prescribed by this chapter. The members of the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy shall be appointed from holders of certificates issued under and by virtue of this chapter.
(2) The present members of the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy shall continue to serve until January 1, 1984. After January 1, 1984, the appointments to the board shall be as hereinafter provided.
The governor shall appoint five (5) members from the congressional districts as they are presently constituted, as follows: The initial member from the first congressional district shall be appointed for a term of one (1) year; the initial member from the second congressional district shall be for a term of two (2) years; the initial member from the third congressional district shall be appointed for a term of three (3) years; the initial member from the fourth congressional district shall be appointed for a term of four (4) years; the initial member from the fifth congressional district shall be appointed for a term of five (5) years. The governor shall appoint two (2) members from the state at large, each of whom shall serve for an initial term of four (4) years. Subsequent terms for all members shall be for five (5) years.
All terms shall begin on January 1 of the appropriate year. No member of the board shall hold any elected office. Appointments made to fill a vacancy of a term shall be made by the appointing officer within sixty (60) days after the vacancy occurs. Any person appointed to fill an unexpired term shall hold office only for and during the unexpired term of the member he succeeds.
(3) Each member of the board shall take the oath prescribed by section 268 of the Mississippi Constitution. The board shall elect from among its membership, to serve one (1) year terms, a chairman who shall preside over meetings and a vice chairman who shall preside in the absence of the chairman or when the chairman shall be excused. A majority of the membership of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business. Any board member who shall not attend three (3) consecutive regular meetings of the board for reasons other than illness of said member shall be subject to removal by a majority vote of the board members.
(4) The board shall hold regular meetings and special meetings as may be necessary for the purpose of conducting such business as may be required. The board shall adopt rules and regulations governing times and places for meetings, and governing the manner of conducting its business. All meetings of the board shall be open to the public.

SOURCES: Codes: Hemingway’s 1921 Supp. § 6661b; Laws: 1930, § 5912; 1942, § 8906; 1920, ch. 211; 1981 ch. 445, § 1; reenacted and amended, 1983, ch. 411, § 2; reenacted 1991, ch. 306, § 2, eff from and after July 1, 1991.
 

§ 73-33-5.

The Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy is hereby authorized with the following powers and duties:
(a) To adopt a seal;
(b) To govern its proceedings;
(c) To set the fees and to regulate the time, manner and place of conducting examinations to be held under this chapter. Beginning February 1, 1995, a total of one hundred fifty (150) collegiate-level semester hours of education including a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent at a college or university acceptable to the board shall be required in order to sit for the examination by candidates who have not previously sat for the examination. The education program shall include an accounting concentration or the equivalent as determined by the board to be appropriate by rules and regulations. The examination shall cover branches of knowledge pertaining to accountancy as the board may deem proper;
(d) To initiate investigations of certified public accountant and certified public accountant firm practices;
(e) To notify applicants who have failed an examination of such failure and in what branch or branches deficiency was found;
(f) To adopt and enforce such rules and regulations concerning certified public accountant examinee and licensee qualifications and practices and certified public accountant firm permits and practices as the board considers necessary to maintain the highest standard of proficiency in the profession of certified public accounting and for the protection of the public interest. The standards of practice by certified public accountants and certified public accountant firms shall include generally accepted auditing and accounting standards as recognized by the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy;
(g) To issue certified public accountant licenses under the signature and the official seal of the board as provided in this chapter; and to issue permits to practice public accounting to certified public accountant firms pursuant to such rules and regulations as may be promulgated by the board;
(h) To employ personnel;
(i) To contract for services and rent; and
(j) To adopt and enforce all such rules and regulations as shall be necessary for the administration of this chapter; provided, however, no adoption or modification of any rules and regulations of the board shall become effective unless any final action of the board approving such adoption or modification shall occur at a time and place which is open to the public and for which notice by mail of such time and place and the rules and regulations proposed to be adopted or modified has been given at least thirty (30) days prior thereto to every person who is licensed and registered with the board.
Each application or filing made under this section shall include the Social Security number(s) of the applicant in accordance with Section 93-11-64, Mississippi Code of 1972.

SOURCES: Codes: Hemingway’s 1921 Supp. § 6661c; Laws: 1930, § 5913; 1942, § 8907; 1920, ch. 211; 1981 ch. 445, § 2; reenacted and amended, 1983, ch. 411, § 3; 1990, ch 322, § 1; reenacted 1991, ch. 306, § 3, 1997, ch. 588, § 57; 1999, ch. 533, § 3, eff from and after July 1, 1999.
 

§ 73-33-7.

(1)  The Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy is authorized to charge each applicant a fee for a certified public accountant license, firm permit and other applicable fees.  However, no fee shall be required from any individual who has been granted a practice privilege, nor shall any fee be required from any firm that is exempt and does not register a permit as allowed under Section 73-33-1(3)(b) or (c).  All fees shall be in such amounts as to be determined by the board and paid when the application is filed.

(2)  Except as provided in Section 33-1-39, on or before January 1 of each year, each holder of a certified public accountant license issued by the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy shall register and pay a reasonable annual registration fee in such amount as to be determined by the board.  If any certified public accountant fails to register and pay the annual registration fee on or before January 1, notice of such default shall be sent to the certified public accountant by certified mail to the delinquent registrant's last known address as shown by the records of the board.  The license of any certified public accountant who fails to register and pay the annual registration fee within ten (10) days after notice is given shall be automatically cancelled, and the board shall enter the cancellation on its records.

(3)  On or before January 1 of each year, each certified public accountant firm holding a permit to practice public accounting under Section 73-33-1 shall register with the board and pay a reasonable annual registration fee as determined by the board.  If any firm fails to register on or before January 1, notice of such default shall be sent to the firm by certified mail to the firm's last known address as shown by the records of the board.  The permit to practice of any firm who fails to register within ten (10) days after notice is given shall be automatically cancelled, and the board shall enter the cancellation on its records.

(4)  Any person who has lost a certified public accountant license or a firm which has lost a permit to practice in this state by failure to register or failure to pay the annual registration fee if so required under this section, or who voluntarily cancels or surrenders such license or permit, may be again licensed or have a firm permit reinstated by the board without reexamination, provided such person or firm shall again comply with the requirements of this chapter and the rules and regulations of the board; file application for registration; and, if required to pay a fee under this section, pay all fees in arrears, late fees and a reinstatement fee as set by the board.

(5)  Out of the funds collected under this chapter shall be paid the expenses of the members of the board, including mileage, hotel expenses and per diem compensation as provided in Section 25-3-69, for the time expended in carrying out the duties of the office; however, no expense incurred by the board shall ever be charged against the funds of the state in excess of amounts collected under this section.

Sources: Codes, Hemingway's 1921 Supp. § 6661d; 1930, § 5914; 1942, § 8908; Laws,  1920, ch. 211; Laws, 1981, ch. 445, § 3; reenacted and amended, 1983, ch. 411 § 4; Laws, 1990, ch. 322, § 2; reenacted, 1991, ch. 306, § 4; Laws, 1999, ch. 533, § 4; Laws, 2007, ch. 309, § 26; Laws, 2008, ch. 331, § 3, eff from and after July 1, 2009.

§ 73-33-8.

All fees from examinations, certificates and licenses by the board of public accountancy, as established by sections 73-33-3 et seq., and any other funds received by said board shall be paid to the state treasurer, who shall issue receipts therefor and who shall deposit such funds in the state treasury in a special fund to the credit of said board. All such funds shall be expended only pursuant to appropriation approved by the legislature and as provided by law.

SOURCES: Laws: 1973, ch. 381, § 5; reenacted and amended, 1983, ch. 411, § 5; 1984, ch. 488, § 278; reenacted 1991, ch. 306, § 5, eff from and after July 1, 1991.
 

§ 73-33-9.

The Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy may, in its discretion, issue a reciprocal certified public accountant license to practice to any holder of any certified public accountant's certificate or license issued under the law of another state, which shall entitle the holder to use the abbreviation, "CPA," in this state provided that the state issuing the original certificate or license grants similar privileges to the certified public accountants of this state. The fee for a license shall be in such reasonable amount as determined by the board. Such license shall not allow the holder thereof to engage in the practice of public accounting as a certified public accountant unless the holder meets the requirements of the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy. This section shall apply only to a person who wishes to obtain a license issued by the State of Mississippi and shall not apply to those persons practicing in this state under Section 77-33-17.

Sources: Codes, Hemingway's 1921 Supp. § 6661e; 1930, § 5915; 1942, § 8909; Laws,  1920, ch. 211; Laws, 1981, ch 445, § 4; reenacted and amended, 1983, ch. 411 § 6; Laws, 1990, ch. 322, § 3; reenacted, 1991, ch. 306, § 6; Laws, 1999, ch. 533, § 5; Laws, 2008, ch. 331, § 4, eff from and after July 1, 2009.

§ 73-33-11.

(1)  The Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy may revoke, suspend, impose a civil penalty or take other appropriate action with respect to any license, practice privilege or permit issued pursuant to this chapter for any unprofessional conduct by the licensee or permit holder, or for other sufficient cause, provided written notice shall have been sent by certified mail (with the addressee's receipt required) to the holder thereof, twenty (20) days before any hearing thereon, stating the cause for such contemplated action and appointing a day and a place for a full hearing thereon by the board, provided further, no certificate or license be cancelled or revoked until a hearing shall have been given to the holder thereof according to law. But, after such hearing, the board may, in its discretion, suspend the certified public accountant from practice as a certified public accountant in this state. When payment of a civil penalty is assessed and levied by the board in accordance with this section, such civil penalty shall not exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) for each violation and shall be deposited into the special fund to the credit of the board.

(2)  The members of the board are hereby empowered to sit as a trial board; to administer oaths (or affirmations); to summon any witness and to compel his attendance and/or his testimony, under oath (or affirmation) before the board or for purposes of deposition during any board authorized investigation; to compel the production of any book, paper or document by the owner or custodian thereof to a hearing or for purpose of investigation; and/or to compel any officer to produce, during investigation or at the hearing, a copy of any public record (not privileged from public inspection by law) in his official custody, certified to, by him. The board shall elect one (1) of its members to serve as clerk, to issue summons and other processes, and to certify copies of its records or, the board may delegate such duties to the executive director.

(3)  The accused may appear in person and/or by counsel or, in the instance of a firm permit holder through its manager and/or counsel to defend such charges. If the accused does not appear or answer, judgment may be entered by default, provided the board finds that proper service was made on the accused.

(4)  The minutes of the board shall be recorded in an appropriate minute book permanently maintained by the board at its office.

(5)  In a proceeding conducted under this section by the board for disciplinary action, those reasonable costs that are expended by the board in the investigation and conduct of a proceeding for discipline, including, but not limited to, the cost of service of process, court reporters, expert witnesses, investigators and legal fees may be imposed by the board on the accused, the charging party or both.

(6)  Such costs shall be paid to the board upon the expiration of the period allowed for appeal of such penalties under this section, or may be paid sooner if the guilty party elects. Money collected by the board under this section shall be deposited to the credit of the board's special fund in the State Treasury. When payment of a monetary penalty assessed by the board under this section is not paid when due, the board shall have the power to institute and maintain proceedings in its name for enforcement of payment in the Chancery Court of the First Judicial District of Hinds County, Mississippi, or in the chancery court of the county where the respondent resides.

(7)  In case of a decision adverse to the accused, appeal shall be made within thirty (30) days from the day on which the decision is made to the circuit court of the First Judicial District of Hinds County, Mississippi, or in the circuit court of the county in which the accused resides. In the case of a nonresident licensee, the appeal shall be made to the Circuit Court of the First Judicial District of Hinds County, Mississippi. The order of the board shall not take effect until the expiration of said thirty (30) days.

(8)  In case of an appeal, bond for costs in the circuit court shall be given as in other cases; and the order of the board shall not take effect until such appeal has been finally disposed of by the court or courts.

(9)  The board may, at any time, reinstate a license, practice privilege or permit if it finds that such reinstatement is justified.

(10)  In addition to the reasons specified in the first paragraph of this section, the board shall be authorized to suspend the license of any licensee for being out of compliance with an order for support, as defined in Section 93-11-153. The procedure for suspension of a license for being out of compliance with an order for support, and the procedure for the reissuance or reinstatement of a license suspended for that purpose, and the payment of any fees for the reissuance or reinstatement of a license suspended for that purpose, shall be governed by Section 93-11-157 or 93-11-163, as the case may be. Actions taken by the board in suspending a license when required by Section 93-11-157 or 93-11-163 are not actions from which an appeal may be taken under this section. Any appeal of a license suspension that is required by Section 93-11-157 or 93-11-163 shall be taken in accordance with the appeal procedure specified in Section 93-11-157 or 93-11-163, as the case may be, rather than the procedure specified in this section. If there is any conflict between any provision of Section 93-11-157 or 93-11-163 and any provision of this chapter, the provisions of Section 93-11-157 or 93-11-163, as the case may be, shall control.

Sources: Codes, Hemingway's 1921 Supp. § 6661h; 1930, § 5916; 1942, § 8910; Laws,  1920, ch. 211; reenacted and amended, Laws, 1983, ch. 411 § 7; reenacted, Laws, 1991, ch. 306, § 7; Laws,  1996, ch. 507, § 65; Laws, 1999, ch. 533, § 6; Laws, 2007, ch. 467, § 3; Laws, 2008, ch. 331, § 5, eff from and after July 1, 2009.

§ 73-33-12.

(1) The following words and phrases as used in this section shall have the meanings ascribed herein unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(a) “Firm” means a sole proprietorship, a corporation or a partnership.
(b) “Quality review” means a study, appraisal or review of one or more aspects of the professional work of a person or firm in the practice of public accountancy, including a quality assurance or peer review, or any internal review or inspection that is required by professional standards relating to quality control policies and procedures; provided, however, such term does not include a positive enforcement program of a state accountancy board.
(c) “Review committee” means any person or persons carrying out, administering or overseeing quality review.
(2) The proceedings, records and work papers of a review committee shall be privileged and shall not be subject to discovery, subpoena or other means of legal process or introduction into evidence in any civil action, arbitration, administrative proceeding or Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy proceeding and no member of the review committee or person who was involved in the quality review process shall be permitted or required to testify in any such civil action, arbitration, administrative proceeding or Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy proceeding as to any matters produced, presented, disclosed or discussed during or in connection with the quality review process, or as to any findings, recommendations, evaluations, opinions or other actions of such committees, or any members thereof; provided, however, that information, documents or records that are publicly available are not to be construed as immune from discovery or use in any civil action, arbitration, administrative proceeding or Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy proceeding merely because they were presented or considered in connection with the quality review process.
(3) The privilege created by this section shall not apply to materials prepared in connection with a particular engagement merely because such materials happen to subsequently be presented or considered as part of the quality review process; nor does it apply to disputes between review committees and persons or firms subject to a quality review arising from the performance of the quality review.

SOURCE: Laws: 1991, ch. 306 § 12, eff from and after July 1, 1991.
 

§ 73-33-13.

If any person shall: (a) falsely represent himself to the public as having received a certified public accountant license or falsely represent a firm in which he has an ownership interest to the public as having received a firm permit as provided in this chapter; or (b) falsely assume to practice as a certified public accountant; or (c) falsely use the abbreviation, "CPA," or any similar words or word, letters or letter to indicate that the person using the same is a certified public accountant, without having received a certified public accountant license as provided in this chapter or without qualifying for a practice privilege under Section 73-33-17; or (d) if any person having received a certified public accountant license and having lost such license by cancellation, revocation or suspension as provided by this chapter, shall continue to use the "CPA" abbreviation, use the words certified public accountant, or practice public accounting after losing his license; or (e) if any person shall represent that a CPA firm with a suspended or revoked permit in which he has an ownership interest is entitled to perform such practice, he shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a criminal fine of not less than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or of not more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), or by imprisonment in the county jail for not longer than six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the court for each such an offense.

Sources: Codes, Hemingway's 1921 Supp. § 6661i; 1930, § 5917; 1942, § 8911; Laws,  1920, ch. 211; reenacted and amended, 1983, ch. 411 § 8; Laws, 1990, ch. 322, § 4; reenacted, 1991, ch. 306, § 8; Laws, 1999, ch. 533, § 7; Laws, 2008, ch. 331, § 6, eff from and after July 1, 2009.

§ 73-33-15.

(1)  It shall be unlawful for any person, except either a registered certified public accountant who is associated and registered with a firm permit holder or an individual qualifying for the practice privilege under Section 73-33-17, and/or for any firm, except for a certified public accountant firm that is in compliance with the applicable requirements of Section 73-33-1(3), to:

(a)  Issue, sign or permit his name or firm name to be associated with any report, transmittal letter or other written communication issued as a result of an examination of financial statements or financial information which contains either an expression of opinion or other attestation as to the fairness, accuracy or reliability of such financial statements;

(b)  Offer to perform, or perform, for the public, public accounting, tax consulting or other accounting-related services while holding himself out as a certified public accountant or as a firm of certified public accountants or certified public accountant firm; or

(c)  Maintain an office or other facility for the transaction of business as a certified public accountant or certified public accountant firm.

(2)  Any person or firm violating subsection (1) of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and may, upon conviction therefor, be punished by a criminal fine of not less than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) nor more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), or by imprisonment in the county jail for not less than ten (10) days nor more than six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment in the discretion of the court.

(3)  In addition to any other penalty which may be applicable, the board may impose a civil penalty against any person adjudged by the board to be in violation of subsection (1) of this section.  The civil penalty shall not exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) per violation and shall be deposited into the special fund to the credit of the board.

(4)  The provisions of paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of this section shall not be construed to apply to an attorney licensed to practice law in this state; to a person for making statements as to his own business; to an officer or salaried employee of a firm, partnership or corporation for making an internal audit, statement or tax return for the same; to a bookkeeper for making an internal audit, statement or tax return for his employer, whose books he regularly keeps for a salary; to a receiver, a trustee or fiduciary as to any statement or tax return with reference to the business or property entrusted to him as such; to any federal, state, county, district or municipal officer as to any audit, statement, or tax return made by him in the discharge of the duties of such office.

(5)  Nothing in this section shall prohibit a firm which does not hold a valid permit under Section 73-33-1(3) and which does not have an office in this state from providing its professional services in this state so long as it complies with the requirements of  Section 73-33-1(3).

Sources: Codes, 1930, § 5918; 1942, § 8912; Laws,  1981, ch. 445, § 5; reenacted and amended, 1983, ch. 411 § 9; reenacted and amended, 1991, ch. 306, § 9; Laws, 1992, ch. 318 § 1; Laws, 1999, ch. 533, § 8; Laws, 2007, ch. 467, § 4; Laws, 2008, ch. 331, § 7, eff from and after July 1, 2009.

§ 73-33-16.

(1) All statements, records, schedules, working papers and memoranda made by a certified public accountant incident to or in the course of professional services to clients by such certified public accountant, except reports submitted by a certified public accountant to a client, shall be and remain the property of the certified public accountant or the public accounting firm under whose name the services were provided in the absence of an express agreement between the certified public accountant or public accounting firm and the client to the contrary. No such statement, record, schedule, working paper or memorandum shall be sold, transferred or bequeathed without the consent of the client or his personal representative or assignee to anyone other than one or more surviving partners or new partners of such certified public accountant or to his corporation or to his proprietorship or any combined or merged partnership or successor in interest therein.
(2) Except by permission of the client engaging a certified public accountant under this chapter, or the heirs, successors or personal representatives of such client, a certified public accountant and any partner, officer, shareholder or employee of a certified public accountant shall not be required by any court of this state to disclose, and shall not voluntarily disclose, information communicated to him by the client relating to and in connection with services rendered to the client by the certified public accountant is his practice as a certified public accountant. Such information shall be deemed confidential and privileged; provided, however, that nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting the disclosure of information required to be disclosed by the standards of the public accounting profession in reporting on the examination of financial statements, or as prohibiting disclosures in court proceedings or in investigations or proceedings under Sections 73-33-5 and 73-33-11, when the services of the certified public accountant are at issue in such investigations or proceedings and the certified public accountant is a party thereto, or as prohibiting disclosure in the course of a practice review.

SOURCE: Laws: 1983, ch. 411, § 10; 1990, ch. 322 § 5; reenacted, 1991, ch. 306 § 10, eff from and after July 1, 1991.
 

§ 73-33-17.

(1)  An individual whose principal place of business is not in this state and who holds a valid license as a certified public accountant from any state that requires, as a condition of licensure, that an individual:

(a)  Has at least one hundred fifty (150) semester hours of college education including a baccalaureate or higher degree conferred by a college or university;

(b)  Achieves a passing grade on the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination; and

(c)  Possesses at least one (1) year of experience verified by a licensee, including providing any type of service or advice involving the use of accounting, attest, compilation, management advisory, financial advisory, tax or consulting skills, which may be obtained through government, industry, academic or public practice; shall be deemed to have qualifications substantially equivalent to this state's requirements and shall have all the privileges of licensees of this state without the need to obtain a license from the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an individual who offers or renders professional services, whether in person, or by mail, telephone or electronic means, under this section shall be granted practice privileges in this state, and may use the title "CPA" or "Certified Public Accountant," and no notice, fee or other submission shall be provided by any such individual.  Such an individual shall be subject to the requirements of Section 73-33-17(3).  In the implementation and application of Section 73-33-17(1)(a) through (c), the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy shall, for uniformity purposes with other states, consider how the majority of other states with similar provisions implement those provisions and shall be reasonably consistent with those states.

(2)  An individual whose principal place of business is not in this state and who holds a valid license as a certified public accountant from any state that does not meet the requirements of subsection (1) of this section, but the individual's certified public accounting qualifications are verified by the board's designee as substantially equivalent to those requirements, shall be deemed to have qualifications substantially equivalent to this state's requirements and shall have all the privileges of licensees of this state without the need to obtain a license from the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy.  Any individual who passed the Uniform CPA Examination and holds a valid license issued by any other state prior to January 1, 2012, may be exempt from the education requirement in subsection (1) of this section for purposes of this subsection.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an individual who offers or renders professional services, whether in person, or by mail, telephone or electronic means, under this section shall be granted practice privileges in this state, and may use the title "CPA" or "Certified Public Accountant," and no notice, fee or other submission shall be provided by any such individual.  Such an individual shall be subject to the requirements of Section 73-33-17(3).

(3)  Any individual licensee of another state exercising the privilege afforded under this section and the firm which employs that licensee hereby simultaneously consent, as a condition of the grant of the privilege:

(a)  To the personal and subject matter jurisdiction and disciplinary authority of the board;

(b)  To comply with this act and the board's rules;

(c)  That in the event the license from the state of the individual's principal place of business is no longer valid, the individual will cease offering or rendering professional services in this state individually and on behalf of a firm; and

(d)  To the appointment of the state board which issued their license as their agent upon whom process may be served in any action or proceeding by this board against the licensee.

(4)  An individual who has been granted practice privileges under this section who, for any entity with its home office in this state, performs any of the following services:

(a)  Any financial statement audit or other engagement to be performed in accordance with Statements on Auditing Standards;

(b)  Any examination of prospective financial information to be performed in accordance with Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements; or

(c)  Any engagement to be performed in accordance with PCAOB Auditing Standards; may only do so through a firm which has obtained a permit issued under Section 73-33-1(3).

(5)  A licensee of this state offering or rendering services or using their CPA title in another state shall be subject to disciplinary action in this state for an act committed in another state for which the licensee would be subject to discipline for an act committed in the other state.  The board shall be required to investigate any complaint made by the State Board of Public Accountancy of another state.

Sources: Codes, 1930, § 5919; 1942, § 8913; reenacted, Laws,  1983, ch. 411, § 11; reenacted, 1991, ch. 306, § 11; Laws, 2008, ch. 331, § 8, eff from and after July 1, 2009.

§ 73-33-18.

Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit anyone who is not a certified public accountant or any attorney in the practice of law in this state from preparing, reviewing, compiling or signing financial statements, including review statements, if an accompanying report, letter or other statement does not express an opinion or other attestation as to the fairness, accuracy or reliability of such statements and does include the language “I (we) do not express an opinion with respect to these financial statements.”

SOURCE: Laws, 1983, ch. 411, § 12; eff from and after July 1, 1991.
 

 § 73-33-19.

Any person holding on July 1, 1999, a certificate without a license registered with the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy shall automatically receive a certified public accountant’s license. After July 1, 1999, the Board shall not issue certificates without licenses and shall issue licenses only as provided under the provisions of this chapter.

SOURCE: Laws: 1999, ch. 533, § 9, eff from and after July 1, 1999.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy
 

Definitions

For purposes of these Rules and Regulations, the following terms have the meanings indicated:

Act - the Public Accountancy Act codified at Title 73, Chapter 33, of the Mississippi Code of 1972.

Agreed upon procedure - report of findings based on specific procedures performed on specific subject matter of specified elements, accounts, or accounting information that is part of but significantly less than a financial statement.

Attest - providing the following services:

(1)audit or other engagement to be performed in accordance with the Statements on Auditing Standards (SAS);

(2)any review to be performed in accordance with the Statements on Standards for Review Services (SSARS);

(3)any examination to be performed in accordance with the Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements(SSAE);

(4)any examination of prospective financial information; and

(5)any engagement to be performed in accordance with the Auditing Standards of the PCAOB (Public Company Accounting Oversight Board).

Excluding services performed in accordance with SSARS, these attest services may not be provided by CPAs practicing public accounting for a Mississippi client pursuant to the practice privileges afforded by Section 73-33-17 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended except through a CPA firm holding a firm permit issued by the Board.

Audit - an examination of financial statements of a person or entity by a licensee or firm conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards (SAS), to determine whether in the CPA’s or CPA firm’s opinion, the statements conform with generally accepted accounting principles or, if applicable, with another comprehensive basis of accounting. Also, it includes any procedure undertaken to verify or test the reasonableness of financial information with a view to expressing an opinion or commenting on the fairness of such presentation. Audits may not be provided by CPAs practicing public accounting for a Mississippi client pursuant to the practice privileges afforded by Section 73-33-17 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended except through a CPA firm holding a firm permit issued by the Board.

Board - the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy.

Certified public accountant, CPA - an individual who is authorized to practice public accounting by licensure by the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy or who is licensed in another jurisdiction and qualifies for practice privileges in this state pursuant to Section 73-33-17 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended. The terms license, certificate, or certification are used synonymously.

Certified public accountant firm or CPA firm - a partnership, limited liability partnership, professional limited liability company, professional corporation, professional association, joint venture, sole proprietor, or other business organization or office thereof allowable under state law, maintained for the purpose of performing or offering to perform public accounting.

Client - any person or entity which retains a CPA firm or CPA for the performance of professional services.

Compilation of financial statements - a service to be performed in accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARS) that is presenting in the form of a financial statement(s) information that is the representation of management (owners) without the CPA’s or CPA firm’s undertaking to express any assurance on the statement(s).

Commission - compensation for selling a product, or obtaining, recommending, or referring any client, product or service to be supplied by another person or entity. See Section 6.6. for applicable restrictions and disclosures.

Contingent fee - a fee established for the performance of any service pursuant to an agreement in which no fee will be charged unless a specified finding or result is attained, or in which the amount of the fee is otherwise dependent upon the finding or result of such service. Such fees are not allowed; see Section 6.7.

CPA examination - An examination administered by the Board to determine minimum competency for licensure purposes.

Examination of prospective financial information - an evaluation by a CPA or CPA firm of a forecast or projection, the support underlying the assumptions in the forecast or projection, whether the presentation of the forecast of projection is in conformity with professional presentation guidelines, or whether the assumptions in the forecast or projection provide a reasonable basis for the forecast or projection.

Financial Statement - Statements and footnotes related thereto that purport to show actual or anticipated financial position which relates to a point in time, or results of operations, or cash flow which relate to a period of time, on the basis of generally accepted accounting principles or other comprehensive basis of accounting. The term includes specific elements, accounts, or items of such statements, but does not include incidental financial data included in management advisory services reports to support recommendations to a client, nor does it include tax returns and supporting schedules. The method of preparation (for example, manual or computer preparation) is not relevant to the definition of a financial statement.

Firm permit to practice public accounting - a permit issued by the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy permitting a certified public accountant firm to practice CPA public accounting, and permit holder means a certified public accountant firm holding such permit.

Generally accepted auditing standards - those auditing standards promulgated by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants or its successor, and other pronouncements having similar generally recognized authority.

Generally accepted accounting principles - Accounting principles or standards generally accepted in the United States. For purpose of these Rules and Regulations generally accepted accounting principles are represented by the Statements of Financial Accounting Standards issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, and any predecessor or successor entities and similar pronouncements issued by other entities having generally recognized authority such as the Accounting Research Bulletins and Accounting Principles Board Opinions which are not superceded by action of the FASB, including subsequent amendments.

Good Standing - compliance by a CPA or CPA firm permit holder with the act and Rules and Regulations of the Board of jurisdiction, including annual registration and mandatory continuing professional education requirements. In the case of Board imposed disciplinary sanctions, the CPA or permit holder must have compiled with all the provisions of the Trial Board order to be considered in good standing.

He, his, him - masculine pronouns when used include both the feminine and the masculine.

Holding out as a CPA or CPA firm - any representation that a person holds a CPA certificate or license from the Board or that he is otherwise qualified to practice certified public accounting in this state or that an entity holds a CPA firm permit to practice public accounting or is otherwise qualified to practice certified public accounting in this state. Any such representation is presumed to invite the public, industry or government to rely upon the professional skills implied by the title, license or permit. A representation includes an verbal, written, or electronic communication.

Home office - the location specified by the client as the address to which a service described in Section 73-33-17(4) is directed.

Licensee - an individual who holds a license issued by the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy to practice public accounting. The terms license, certificate, or certification are use synonymously.

Owner - as used in these Rules and Regulations, an individual who holds equity ownership interests in a CPA firm as a partner, shareholder, member or other terms that represent ownership. Each owner of each practice unit in Mississippi must be a natural person and an active individual participant in the practice unit

Partnership - A partnership for the practice of public accounting is presumed when there exists a relationship between or among two or more persons which share profits and:

(1) share control and management; or

(2) share ownership rights in specific partnership property; or

(3) share joint and several responsibility for debts and liabilities.

Peer review - a study, appraisal, or review of one or more aspects of the professional accounting and/or auditing work of a firm in the practice of public accounting, by a CPA firm and CPA(s) who are not affiliated with firm being reviewed.

Practice of, or practicing, CPA public accounting or CPA public accountancy- the performance, the offering to perform, or maintaining an office by a person, persons or firm holding itself out to the public as certified public accountant(s) or CPA firm, for a client or potential client, or certified public accountant(s) or CPA firm performing one or more kinds of services involving the use of accounting or auditing, skills, including, but not limited to, the issuance of reports on financial statements, or of one or more kinds of management advisory, financial advisory or consulting services, or the preparation of tax returns or the furnishing of advice on tax matters.

Practice review - The Board’s oversight program to monitor peer review or equivalent programs through sponsoring organizations required to be registered with the Board and to monitor practice s’ mandatory participation in peer review programs.

Practice unit (for peer review purposes) - a CPA firm required to be registered with a firm permit for the purpose of the practice of public accountancy, a sole proprietor not registered by the Board as a firm, and licensees aggregated by the Board into a practice unit.

Principal place of business - the office location designated the licensee for purposes of substantial equivalency and reciprocity.

Professional services - any services performed or offered by a CPA or firm for a client in the course of the practice of public accountancy.

Report - when used with reference to attest services means an opinion, report, or other form of language which expresses or denies assurance as to the reliability of any financial statements or assertion. The term “report” also includes any statement or implication that the person or firm issuing it has special knowledge or competence in accounting or auditing and that the service reported upon was performed under standards for such services.

Resident manager - a CPA designated by a firm to be responsible for an office location and its compliance with the act and the Rules and Regulations of the Board.

Review of financial statements - performance of inquiries and analytical procedures that permit a CPA or CPA firm to determine whether there is a reasonable basis for expressing limited assurance that there are no material modifications that should be made to financial statements in order for them to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles or, if applicable, with another comprehensive basis of accounting.

Substantial equivalency - a determination by the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy or its designee that another jurisdiction's licensure requirements are comparable to or exceed those contained in Section 73-33-17(1), or that an individual who holds a valid license as a certified public accountant has education, examination and experience qualifications that are comparable to, or exceed those contained in Section 73-33-17(1). In ascertaining substantial equivalency, the board shall take into account the qualifications without regard to the sequence in which experience, education or examination qualifications were attained.
 

Chapter 1. Restrictions on Use of the Title Certified Public Accountant


Section 1.1. Restrictions

1.1. The use of the title of certified public accountant (including any letters, abbreviations or words indicating such title) is restricted to persons who:

(a) Are Mississippi residents, or have a place for the regular transaction of business in Mississippi and have received from the Board a valid license, or

(b) Have received from the Board a valid reciprocal license in accordance with the act and regulations thereunder, or qualifies for a practice privilege pursuant to Section 73-33-17 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended and

(c) Have complied with all sections of the act and regulations thereunder, and

(d) Have not had their licenses and/or registration of such license suspended, revoked, or canceled in this or any other jurisdiction.

Section 1.2. Violations

1.2. The use of the following designations are deemed to be violations of the act:

The term “certified” or similar terms before the words “tax consultant”, “accountant”, or similar titles likely to give the public the impression that the person is licensed by the Board.

 

Chapter 2. Licenses


Section 2.1. Requirements

2.1.1. Individuals whose principal place of business is in Mississippi must hold a Mississippi CPA license. An applicant for an original license must be a resident of the State of Mississippi or have an office for the regular transaction of business in this state, be of good moral character, and satisfy the education, examination, experience requirements, continuing professional education (CPE) and professional ethics as described within these Rules and Regulations.

(a) Residency shall be determined by the Board based on all of the facts and circumstances of each individual case. Factors normally considered by the Board in determining residency are as follows:

(1) Place of registration as a voter

(2) Vehicle registration and tags

(3) Filing of Mississippi State Resident Income Tax Returns

(4) Qualifying for Homestead Exemption in Mississippi and payment of real estate taxes to this state

(5) Graduation from a Mississippi university or college and successful completion of the CPA examination in Mississippi.

(b) Having a place for the regular transaction of business encompasses more than having a “mailing address” or temporary office. The Board will determine, based on all the facts and circumstances of each individual case, whether a structure qualifies under this regulation. Factors normally considered by the Board in determining eligibility include the following:

(1) Relative permanence of location

(2) Business hours

(3) Presence of permanent staff

(4) Telephone listings and location

(5) Time spent in out-of-state activities.

Chapter 2. Licenses and Practice Privileges


(c) Good Moral Character: In evaluating good moral character, the Board shall consider an applicant’s criminal record including but not limited to felony convictions or pleas; discipline before state, local or federal jurisdictions; and other documents and/or records determined appropriate in the circumstance.


2.1.2. When a candidate has passed the CPA examination in accordance Section 2.2., satisfied the experience requirements in accordance with Section 2.1.3. and CPE in accordance with Section 4.1. of these Rules and Regulations, he must make application for licensure with the State Board within five years from the date of successful completion of the CPA examination. Applications for licensure shall be made on forms provided by the Board and accompanied by fees as prescribed by the Board. All certificates of licensure shall be valid only when signed by at least three members of the Board and when the Board’s seal is affixed thereto. The issuance of the certificate of licensure does not automatically qualify one to practice public accounting in the State of Mississippi as defined in the act unless such license holder is associated with a CPA firm that has been issued a firm permit by the State Board. However, a sole proprietor not acting as a practice unit per the act may practice as a licensee.


2.1.3. The Board shall issue a license to applicants who have complied with all of the Board’s requirements, including experience, continuing professional education (CPE) and professional ethics.

(a) Experience Requirements. In satisfaction of experience requirements, the applicant must submit substantiating written statements, in such form as the Board shall require, from employers or others who have actual knowledge of such facts.

(1) Qualifying experience requirements as stated below shall be experience during the five years immediately preceding the date of application for the license.

(2) Qualifying experience shall mean a minimum of one year of experience gained by full-time employment under the supervision and direction of a CPA.

(3) The practical experience of an applicant for licensure must be meaningful with respect to qualifying the applicant for the practice of public accounting. An applicant shall show that he or she provided one or more kinds of services involving the use of accounting or auditing skills, including but not limited to the issuance of reports on financial statements, or one or more kinds of management advisory, financial advisory, or consulting services, or the preparation of tax returns or the furnishing of advice on tax matters, or the equivalent, all of which are under the direction of a CPA licensee, meeting requirements prescribed by the Board by rule.

(4) The Board reserves the option of reviewing the work papers, reports, and time records for work submitted for credit as qualifying experience. The Board may require interviews with applicants. Inspections and interviews may be on a selective or a random basis.

(5) Experience submitted to the board by an applicant not meeting the requirements set forth above, when evaluated by the State Board of Public Accountancy in the aggregate, may be considered equivalent to the requirements set out above.


2.1.4. Other Requirements

(a) The Board reserves the right to require applicants for licensure to successfully complete a written examination, a Board approved ethics course of comprehensive study, and/or an examination of the Rules of Professional Conduct promulgated by the Board.

(b) The Board reserves the right to require applicants for licensure to provide evidence of good moral character including but not limited to a Board initiated background and criminal check.

Section 2.2. CPA Examination

2.2.1. Examinee Qualifications: The CPA examination as required by the Public Accountancy Act is to determine minimum competency of an individual for licensure purposes. The CPA examination shall test the knowledge and skills required for performance as an entry-level certified public accountant. The examination shall include the subject areas of accounting and auditing and related knowledge and skills as the Board may require. In accordance with Section 2.1. of these Rules and Regulations, an applicant for a CPA license must pass the CPA examination in addition to other licensure requirements. Candidates for the CPA examination must satisfy the following requirements to qualify to sit for the CPA examination as a Mississippi candidate:

(a) Educational Requirement: A first-time examination candidate must have completed at least 150 semester hours of college education including a baccalaureate or higher degree conferred by a regionally accredited four-year college or university or the equivalent acceptable to the Board, with an accounting concentration determined by Board rule to be appropriate. Candidates who first sat before February 1, 1995, must have met the requirements in effect at that time.

(1) Regional accreditation shall be accreditation by one of the following regional accrediting agencies:
Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools
Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges
Southern Association of Schools and Colleges
Western Association of Schools and Colleges

(2) Accounting Concentration: The candidate shall be determined to have the equivalent of an accounting concentration if he has at least 48 semester hours of upper division or graduate level accounting and business related courses as approved by the Board at an accredited four-year college or university with a minimum of 24 semester hours of accounting at the upper division or graduate level, including a minimum of 3 semester hours each in courses covering the following subjects:
Chapter 2. Licenses and Practice Privileges


a. financial accounting,
b auditing,
c. taxation,
d. management/cost accounting, and
e. government/not-for-profit accounting.

(3) The educational requirements must be completed before the candidate first applies to take the examination.

(4) Credit for hours taken at accredited colleges and universities using the quarter system shall be counted as ⅔ of a semester hour for each hour of credit received under the quarter system.

(b) Residency: The candidate must be a resident of the State of Mississippi. Residency shall be determined by the Board based on all of the facts and circumstances of each individual case. Factors normally considered by the Board in determining residency are as follows:

(1) Place of registration as a voter;

(2) Vehicle registration and tags;

(3) Filing of Mississippi State Resident Income Tax Returns;

(4) Qualifying for Homestead Exemption in Mississippi and payment of real estate taxes to this state; and/or

(5) Graduation from a Mississippi university or college.

(c) Good Moral Character: As the passing of the CPA examination is the initial qualification to licensure, a candidate must be able to demonstrate that he possesses good moral character in order to qualify to sit for the examination. In evaluating good moral character, the Board shall consider a candidate’s criminal record including but not limited to felony convictions or pleas; discipline before state, local or federal jurisdictions; and other documents and/or records determined appropriate in the circumstance.

2.2.2. Fees: The candidate shall, for each test section applied for, pay to the Board or its designee candidate testing fees that include the actual fees charged by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), and the test delivery service provider, as well as a nonrefundable application processing fee established by the State Board.

2.2.3. Rescinded.

2.2.4. Rescinded.

2.2.5. Applications:

(a) Candidates must apply for the CPA examination on application forms provided by the Board and filed with the Board as specified in the application form.

(b) An application will not be considered filed until the application processing fee, other examination fees, and all required supporting documents have been received, including proof of identity as determined by the Board and specified on the application form, official transcripts and proof that candidate has satisfied the education, residency, and good moral character requirements.

(c) Applications are active until the candidate sits for the applicable section(s) but no longer than six months. A candidate who fails to appear for an examination shall forfeit all fees charged for both the application and the examination.

(d) The Board or its designee will forward notification of eligibility for the computer-based examination to NASBA’s National Candidate Database.

(e) Any person who files an application for the CPA examination containing false statements, false references, or false signatures, may, at the discretion of the Board, be temporarily or permanently barred from taking the examination.

2.2.6. Time and place of CPA examination: The Board shall notify candidates of their eligibility and notice eligible candidates to schedule within the required time period and with an approved test site identified by the Board. Scheduling reexaminations must be made in accordance with Section 2.2.10. below.

2.2.7. Rescinded.

2.2.8. Rescinded.

2.2.9. Rescinded.

2.2.10. Examination Grades, Conditioning, Reexamination:

(a) The Board shall notify CPA examination candidates in writing of examination results. The passing grade for each test section is 75.

(b) The Board may use the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination and advisory grading service and may rely solely upon grades assigned to examination papers by that body.

(c) A candidate may take the required test sections individually and in any order. Credit for any test section(s) passed shall be valid for eighteen months (six examination windows as described below) from the actual date the candidate took that test section, without having to attain a minimum score on any failed test section(s) and without regard to whether the candidate has taken other test sections.

(1) Candidates must pass all four test sections of the Uniform CPA Examination within a rolling eighteen-month period, which begins on the date that the first test section(s) passed is taken.

(2) Candidates cannot retake a failed test section(s) in the same examination window. An examination window refers to a three-month period in which candidates have an opportunity to take the CPA examination (comprised of two months in which the examination is available to be taken and one month in which the examination will not be offered while routine maintenance is performed and the item bank is refreshed). Thus, candidates will be able to test two out of the three months within an examination window.

(3) In the event all four test sections of the Uniform CPA Examination are not passed within the rolling eighteen-month period, credit for any test section(s) passed outside the eighteen-month period will expire and that test section(s) must be retaken.

(d) The Board may in particular cases extend the term of conditional credit validity notwithstanding the requirements of subsections above, upon a showing that the credit was lost by reason of circumstances beyond the candidate’s control.

(e) A candidate shall be deemed to have passed the Uniform CPA Examination once the candidate holds at the same time valid credit for passing each of the four test sections of the examination. For purposes of this section, credit for passing a test section of the computer-based examination is valid from the actual date of the testing event for that test section, regardless of the date the candidate actually receives notice of the passing grade.

2.2.11. Transfer of Credits from Other States: A candidate shall retain credit for any and all test sections of an examination passed in another state if such credit would have been given, under then applicable Mississippi requirements had the candidate taken the examination in this State. The applicant’s grade or grades on test sections passed in such other states shall be determined and approved by the Board before transfer is approved. A candidate who applies for a transfer of any credits from another state shall file an application acceptable to the Board and pay the required fee.

2.2.12. Cheating:

(a) Cheating by a candidate in applying for, taking or subsequent to the examination will be deemed to invalidate any grade otherwise earned by a candidate on any test section of the examination, and may warrant summary expulsion from the test site and disqualification from taking the examination.

(b) For purposes of this rule, the following actions or attempted activities, among others, may be considered cheating:

(1) Falsifying or misrepresenting educational credentials or other information required for admission to the examination;

(2) Communication between candidates inside or outside the test site or copying another candidate’s answers while the examination is in progress;

(3) Communication with others inside or outside the test site while the examination is in progress;

(4) Substitution of another person to sit in the test site in the stead of a candidate;

(5) Reference to cheat sheets, textbooks or other material or electronic media (other than that provided to the candidate as part of the examination) inside or outside the test site while the examination is in progress.

(6) Violating the nondisclosure prohibitions of the examination or aiding or abetting another in doing so.

(7) Retaking or attempting to retake a test section by an individual holding a valid CPA certificate/license or by a candidate who has unexpired credit for having already passed the same test section, unless pursuant to Board order or unless the individual has been expressly authorized by the Board to participate in a “secret shopper” program.

(c) In any case where it appears that cheating has occurred or is occurring, the Board or its representatives may either summarily expel the candidate involved from the examination or move the candidate to a position in the test center away from other examinees where the candidate can be watched more closely.

(d) In any case where the Board believes that it has evidence that a candidate has cheated on the examination, including those cases where the candidate has been expelled from the examination, the Board shall conduct an investigation and may conduct a disciplinary hearing following the examination session for the purpose of determining whether or not there was cheating, and if so what remedy should be applied. In such proceedings, the Board shall decide:

(1) Whether the candidate shall be given credit for any portion of the examination completed in that session; and

(2) Whether the candidate shall be barred from taking the examination and if so, for what period of time.

(e) In any case where the Board or its representative permits a candidate to continue taking the examination, it may, depending on the circumstances:

(1) Admonish the candidate;

(2) Seat the candidate in a segregated location for the rest of the examination;

(3) Keep a record of the candidate’s seat location and identifying information, and the names and identifying information of the candidates in close proximity of the candidate; and/or notify the National Candidate Database and the AICPA and/or the test center of the circumstances, so that the candidate may be more closely monitored in future examination sessions.

(f) In any case in which a candidate is refused credit for any test section of an examination taken, disqualified from taking any test section, or barred from taking the examination in the future, the Board will provide to the Board of Accountancy of any other state to which the candidate may apply for the examination information as to the Board’s findings and actions taken.

2.2.13. Security and Irregularities: Notwithstanding any other provisions under these rules, the Board may postpone scheduled examinations, the release of grades, or the issuance of certificates due to a breach of examination security; unauthorized acquisition or disclosure of the contents of an examination; suspected or actual negligence, errors, omissions, or irregularities in conducting an examination; or for any other reasonable cause or unforeseen circumstance.

2.2.14. Candidate's Request for Review. A candidate may request through the Board a review of his nonpassing examination papers by the advisory grading service of the AICPA. The review shall be conducted in accordance with the uniform procedures designed for such. The fees for the review shall be paid by the candidate.

2.2.15. Appeal. After the grades have been released and subsequent to a review of nonpassing examination papers a candidate may request through the Board an appeal of the examination grade. The appeal shall be conducted in accordance with the uniform procedures and in accordance with Board requirements. The fees for the appeal shall be paid by the candidate.

 

Section 2.3. Registration

2.3.1. Each CPA license holder shall be required to register and to pay an annual registration fee on or before the first day of January each year. Application for such registration shall be made on forms prescribed by the Board, and the registration fee shall be determined under the Board’s Schedule of Fees in effect as of the date of the application.

2.3.2. Each registrant shall be required to provide information as to current employment, current address, compliance with continuing professional education requirements and other information requested by the Board necessary for the administration of these regulations or the accountancy statutes, including sworn statements or attestations verifying the accuracy of the registration application.

2.3.3. In accordance with Section 4.1. of these Rules and Regulations, a licensee will not be permitted to register a license if not in compliance with the CPE requirements.

2.3.4. Failure to register and pay annual fees by January 1 of each year will result in automatic cancellation of the license. License holders in default will be mailed a ten day notice of such default by certified mail (to their last known address of record) prior to the cancellation of the certificate. A person who has lost his or her license for failure to register and/or pay registration fees may apply to the Board for reinstatement of the license in accordance with Section 2.4. of these Rules and Regulations.
 

Section 2.4. Reinstatement of a License

2.4.1. An individual seeking reinstatement of a CPA license or practice privilege which has been revoked, suspended, canceled voluntarily or canceled for failure to register must submit to the Board an application for reinstatement of such license or practice privilege and satisfy the requirements as described herein.

2.4.2. Such application shall be filed on the form prescribed by the Board and shall include a signed and acknowledged petition which shall set forth in full the circumstances surrounding the revocation, suspension, or cancellation of the applicant's license or practice privilege, the applicant's reasons for seeking reinstatement, and any other information the applicant wishes to bring to the attention of the Board.

2.4.3. License reinstatement applications must be accompanied by payment of the delinquent license fees (fees in arrears not to exceed five years) late fees, and a reinstatement fee.

2.4.4. An individual seeking reinstatement of a CPA license must, unless otherwise provided by Trial Board order, as defined below, show satisfactory evidence of accrual/completion of the minimum CPE credit hours missed as a result of not being registered, 40 CPE credit hours per compliance period including a minimum of 20 percent in accounting and/or auditing (A&A) topics subject to a maximum of 200 CPE credit hours, in lieu of resitting for the CPA examination and completion of all requirements for the issuance of such CPA license. A maximum of twenty hours of carry-over CPE credit hours may be used to satisfy the required 40 CPE credit hour requirement during the most recent compliance period.

2.4.5. A former licensee whose license has been revoked or suspended may make application for reinstatement in accordance with the provision of the Trial Board order and shall pay the required fees and penalties and shall accrue the minimum CPE credit hours missed unless otherwise provided per the order. Applicants for reinstatement of practice privileges granted pursuant to Section 73-33-17 must demonstrate compliance with the terms of any board order or other directives of the Board wherein the practice privilege was suspended or revoked.

(a) In considering an application the Board shall consider all activities of the applicant since the license or practice privilege was canceled, revoked or suspended, including but not limited to the prior offense, the applicant's activities during the time the license or practice privilege was in good standing, rehabilitative efforts, and restitution to damaged parties in the matter.

(b) After consideration of the applicant's petition and after conducting such personal examination of the applicant or other persons as it deems necessary, including any complainant or individual injured by the applicant, the Board may in its discretion reinstate any revoked, suspended or surrendered license or practice privilege. The Board shall notify such applicant of its decision in writing.

2.4.6. The Board may impose appropriate terms and conditions for reinstatement of a license, impose continuing conditions on a license to be reinstated, and/or otherwise modify the requirements of a prior order of suspension, revocation or probation.

2.4.7. No application for reinstatement will be considered while the applicant is under a sentence for any criminal offense, including any period during which the applicant is on court imposed probation or parole.

2.4.8. An individual who obtained his or her CPA license through reciprocity shall provide the Board confirmation of good standing with the jurisdiction of original issue on forms as prescribed by this Board.

2.4.9. Reinstatement of a suspended license or practice privilege under the requirements of noncompliance with an order for support as defined in Mississippi Code of 1972, Section 93-11-153, shall be reinstated only under the conditions provided per Section 93-11-157 or 93-11-163, as the case may be.
 

Section 2.5. Retirement Status or Permanent Disability

2.5.1. Retired Status. An individual who holds a current license issued by the board who is 55 years old or older and has timely filed a request on a form prescribed by the board which indicates the licensee is no longer engaged in activities regulated by this Board may be granted a retired status at the time of license renewal.

2.5.2. Permanent Disability Status. Permanent disability status may be granted by the Board to a licensee with a notarized affidavit from the licensee's physician which states that the licensee is unable to perform activities regulated by this Board and clearly details the disability. Such status may only be granted at the time of license renewal.

2.5.3. A licensee who has been granted retired status or permanent disability status and who becomes engaged in activities regulated by this Board must:

(a) pay the current license and reinstatement fees established by the board;

(b) complete the form prescribed by the Board for renewal of a license;

(c) meet the continuing professional education requirements; and

(d) surrender the retired or permanent disability status.

2.5.4. An individual who has been granted a retired or permanent disability status from the Board is exempt from the mandatory CPE requirements described in Section 4.1.

2.5.5. All other Board rules and all statutory provisions apply to a licensee in either an active, retired, or permanent disability status unless specifically exempt by Board rule or statute.

2.5.6. An individual who has been granted a retired or permanent disability status from the Board is granted the use of the title of certified public accountant (retired) or CPA (retired), but may not use “certified public accountant” or “CPA” without the “retired” identification.

 

Section 2.6. Reciprocity


2.6.1. Persons holding CPA certificates/licenses granted by other jurisdictions must apply for reciprocity for a CPA license with the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy if they do not meet the following exemptions. In addition, CPA firms must apply for registration of a firm permit to practice public accounting in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 3. of these Rules and Regulations.

2.6.2. Mississippi reciprocity law and regulations do not apply to holders of CPA licenses granted by other jurisdictions:

(a) whose principal place of business is not in Mississippi, and

(b) who hold a valid license as a CPA from any state which is substantially equivalent as defined in these Rules and Regulations, and

(c) who avail themselves of the practice privilege in accordance with Section 73-33-17.

2.6.3. Rescinded.

2.6.4. Each application for a reciprocal CPA license shall be considered on its own merits. No reciprocal CPA license shall be issued to holders of certificates from other jurisdictions unless the jurisdiction that issued the certificate/license confirms the applicant is in good standing, and then only if the said jurisdiction grants reciprocity to Mississippi CPAs.

2.6.5. An individual holding a valid certificate and license in good standing as a CPA issued by any jurisdiction and of good moral character may make application for a CPA license in Mississippi. Applications for reciprocal CPA licenses shall be made on forms prescribed by the Board and submitted to the executive director. The application must be accompanied by the requisite fee and shall include written authorization from the applicant empowering the Board to obtain all information concerning the applicant’s qualifications and present standing.

2.6.6. The Board shall evaluate each application and shall issue a reciprocal CPA license based on evidence of one or more of the following qualifications:

(a) CPA in public practice. The applicant has experience in the practice of public accounting as a licensed CPA for four years in the ten years immediately prior to the date of submitting the application.

(b) Substantially equivalent.

(1) The applicant is substantially equivalent as defined by these Rules and Regulations and State law in meeting the requirements; and

(2) The applicant’s is licensed in his principal place of business and that jurisdiction’s requirements are substantially equivalent to the requirements as defined by these Rules and Regulations and State law.

2.6.7. Applicants for reciprocal CPA licenses shall not be required to reside or have a place for the regular transaction of business in Mississippi.

2.6.8. Applicants for reciprocal CPA licenses shall be required to comply with all of the same Rules and Regulations as holders of original Mississippi licenses, including but not limited to CPA firm registration, continuing professional education requirements, annual registration and address changes.
 

Section 2.7. Replacement Certificate of Licensure


2.7.1. A replacement certificate of licensure may be issued at the holder’s request upon payment of fee and compliance with the following requirements:

(a) In the event of a certificate of licensure which has been lost, the request for replacement must be accompanied by a sworn statement that the certificate is lost and the CPA must agree in writing to the Board that he or she will return the lost certificate to the Board in the event it is later found.

(b) In the event of a certificate of licensure which has been mutilated, the mutilated certificate must be returned to the Board, and if it is mutilated beyond the point of being able to be identified, the request must also be accompanied by a sworn statement that the returned document is, in fact, the certificate.

(c) If the request for replacement is to have a change in the name in which the certificate of licensure is issued, the original certificate must be returned to the Board and the request must be accompanied by appropriate documentation of the name change.

 

Chapter 3. CPA Firm Permits


Section 3.1. General Requirements


3.1.1. The practice of public accounting as defined per Mississippi Code of 1972, Section 73-33-2, and the Definitions section of these Rules and Regulations must be performed through a CPA firm meeting ownership and other requirements specified herein and duly registered with the Board with a firm permit to practice public accounting. This section also applies to offices located outside of Mississippi where such offices perform services described in Section 73-33-17 (4) for Mississippi clients. This section is also applicable to a sole proprietor as defined by Mississippi Code of 1972, Section 73-33-2(c).

3.1.2. Authorized forms of practice.

(a) A domestic CPA firm may be organized as any entity or any business form allowed by Mississippi law and must comply with the requirements thereof.

(b) A foreign CPA firm may be legally organized under a law other than the law of this state. The foreign firm must comply with the requirements as stated herein.


3.1.3. CPA firm ownership.

(a) A certified public accountant firm located inside of the State of Mississippi shall be required to show that:

(1) it is wholly owned by natural persons and not owned in whole or in part by business entities;

(2) a simple majority of the ownership of the firm in terms of financial interests and/or voting rights hold Mississippi certified public accountant licenses; and

(3) the certified public accountant members of the firm are registered and in good standing with the Board, unless said CPA members qualify for practice privileges pursuant to Section 73-33-17 (4) of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended.

In addition, each resident manager of each CPA firm office in Mississippi must hold a current license to practice public accountancy in Mississippi.

(b) Except as otherwise provided by Section 73-33-17 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended, a certified public accountant firm or office thereof having its principal place of business located outside of the State of Mississippi that offers to perform or practices public accounting for a client or a potential client who is a Mississippi resident, has a principal place of business or is domiciled in Mississippi shall be required to show that:

(1) it is wholly owned by natural persons and not owned in whole or in part by business entities;

(2) a simple majority of the ownership of the firm in terms of financial interests and/or voting rights hold certified public accountant licenses from a statutorily authorized licensing jurisdiction; and

(3) the certified public accountant members of the firm offering to perform or performing work for a Mississippi client qualify for practice privileges pursuant to Section 73-33-17 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended.

( c) Any certified public accountant firm may include non-licensee owners provided that:

(1) the firm designates a licensee of this state, who is responsible for the proper registration of the firm and identifies that individual to the Board;

(2) all non-licensee owners are natural persons and are active individual participants in the certified public accountant firm or affiliated entities;

(3) all non-licensee owners are identified as owners in connection with the registration of the firm and do not hold, in the aggregate, more than forty-nine percent of the firm financial interest or voting rights;

(4) all services as defined herein are under the charge of a Mississippi CPA licensee or CPA qualified for practice privileges pursuant to Section 73-33-17 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended;

(5) all services are performed within the requirements set out in Section 73-33-15 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 and the professional standards for such services;

(6) no person not holding a valid CPA licensee shall use or assume the title certified public accountant or the abbreviation CPA or any other title, designation, words, letters, abbreviation, sign, card or device likely to be confused with or tending to indicate that such person is a certified public accountant unless said person is qualified for practice privileges pursuant to Section 73-33-17 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended;

(7) non-CPAs shall not have ultimate responsibility for the performance of audits, reviews or compilations of financial statements or other forms of attestation related to financial statements and may not use language in any statement related to the financial affairs or a person or entity which is conventionally used by licensees in reports on financial statements;

(8) non-CPA owners are responsible for compliance with the Act and these Rules and Regulations; and

(9) the firm complies with other requirements as set by the Board.

3.1.4. Initial Registration (application). All CPA firms domiciled in Mississippi must register with the Board as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days after opening a Mississippi office or beginning a new CPA firm, but in no case shall a CPA firm engage in the practice of public accounting without a firm permit. A CPA firm or office located outside of Mississippi must register the office(s) before holding-out, offering or performing public accounting.


3.1.5. Annual Registration. In accordance with Mississippi Code of 1972, Section 73-33-7, on or before January 1 of each year, each certified public accountant firm holding a permit to practice public accounting must register with the Board. If any firm fails to register on or before January 1, notice of such default shall be sent to the firm by certified mail to the firm’s last known address as shown by the records of the Board. The permit to practice of any firm who fails to register within ten (10) days after notice is given shall be automatically canceled, and the board shall enter the cancellation on its records.


3.1.6. Process.

(a) Initial applications and annual renewal registrations of firms must be made upon forms prescribed and include information and annual registration fees as required by the Board and be submitted to the executive director. Application must be made upon the affidavit of a general or managing owner (individual) and in addition to other required information must include the name and address of the person upon whom service of process may be had for the firm. In accordance with Section 3.1.12. and Chapter 5, peer review compliance is required in order to register a CPA firm.

(b) Foreign CPA firms domiciled within Mississippi or domiciled outside of Mississippi for which a firm permit is required must submit along with the initial application and annual renewal registrations all requested information including but not limited to its current corporate certificate of authority or certificate of registration with the Mississippi Secretary of State. Such documents on file with the Secretary of State must agree with the records of the Board. The filing of these registrations will consider the restrictions as set elsewhere in these Rules and Regulations including but not limited to CPA firm name restrictions.


3.1.7. Firm Permit. Upon satisfaction of the application and registration requirements, the Board will issue to a CPA firm an annual firm permit to practice public accounting.


3.1.8. Failure to apply or register. For firms required to, the absence of filing of the required application, failure to register on or before January 1, or satisfaction of this rule shall be construed to mean that no entity exists as an authorized CPA firm for the practice of public accounting. In such case the Board may take disciplinary action against the firm’s members.


3.1.9. Disclaimer by non-qualified firms. An entity that is not qualified to register as a CPA firm or otherwise engage in or hold-out as being able to engage in the practice of certified public accounting, but which engages in aspects of public accountancy as permitted by statute and employs or engages licensee(s) or registration holder in such work must include an asterisk by the name of the employer or principal in each advertisement or written statement by the licensee or registration holder and/or by his employer or principal in which reference is made to the licensee or registration holder or his association with the employer or principal as such, which asterisk shall refer to a notation included within conspicuous proximity and with reasonable prominence that states “This firm is not a CPA firm.”


3.1.10. Notices. A CPA firm registered under this rule must give notice to the Board within 30 days after significant changes including but not limited to:

(a) formation of new firm;

(b) changes in ownership including the admission, withdrawal, or death of an owner, partner, member, shareholder;

(c) dissolution of the firm;

(d) changes in legal form of organization;

(e) establishment, withdrawal, or changes of offices;

(f) change in physical location and/or address;

(g) change in the firm name;

(h) occurrence of any event(s) which would cause the firm to become out of compliance with the Act or the Rules and Regulations.

3.1.11. Firm Names.

(a) A firm licensed by the Board may not conduct business, perform or offer to perform services or provide products under a name other than the name in which the firm is registered and issued a CPA firm permit. No licensee or firm permit holder shall engage in the practice of public accountancy using a firm name which includes any fictitious name, that includes descriptive words relating to the quality of services offered, indicates specialization or is misleading as to the legal form of the firm, or about the persons who are partners, officers, or shareholders of the firm, or about any other matter. A firm also shall not place any speciality or restricted words sufficiently close to the firm name to confuse it as part of the firm name.

(b) A foreign firm must comply with the firm names as described herein and be so registered with the Secretary of State to do business under the acceptable name. As described in Section 3.1.6. this documentation must be submitted as part of initial or annual registration with the Board.

(c) No firm will be permitted to register with the Board as a certified public accounting firm unless the firm name contains the personal name/names, initials and names, or initials of one or more individuals who are present or previous CPA owners of the firm. However, a firm name may contain the name or pertinent part thereof which identifies membership of that firm in an association or alliance of certified public accounting firms.

(d) The Board will not register two CPA firms under the same name unless there are different individuals involved with identical surnames.

(e) The name of a non-licensee or nonowner employee may not be used as part of a CPA firm name.

(f) The CPA firm may continue to use the name of a deceased CPA owner on its letterhead provided some indication is made which will show the individual is no longer living.

(g) The name of any former partner, member, or shareholder may not be used in a registered firm name during the period of sanction when the former partner member, or shareholder has been prohibited from practicing public accountancy or prohibited from using the title “CPA”.

(h) Partnership.

(1) If a partner dies or withdraws from a firm and there is no change in the firm name, the partnership will not be required to again register with the Board until the next annual registration.

(2) If, for any reason, there is a change in the name of a partnership, it must file a new application for registration.

(3) A partner surviving the death or withdrawal of all other partners may continue to practice under a partnership name for up to two years after becoming a sole practitioner.


3.1.12. In addition to other requirements set herein, firms must comply with Peer Review as defined per Chapter 5. in order to register a CPA firm.


3.1.13. Rescinded.


3.1.14. Rescinded.


3.1.15. Sole Proprietors.

(a) Every sole proprietorship having an office in Mississippi while engaged in the practice of public accountancy in this state must register with the Board.

Sole proprietors whose principal place of business is outside Mississippi shall register with the Board if performing services as defined per Mississippi Code of 1972, Section 73-33-17(4), including:
(1) any financial statement audit or other engagement to be performed in accordance with Statements on Auditing Standards;
(2) any examination of prospective financial information to performed in accordance with Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements;
(3) any engagement to be performed in accordance with PCAOB Auditing Standards.

(b) Death of a Sole Proprietor. Upon written authorization from the executive director, a sole proprietorship may continue to operate for a period of up to 12 months following the death of the sole proprietor. The executive director, subject to ratification by the Board at the next Board meeting, may permit the continued operation of the sole proprietorship when the following has been provided:

(1) a copy of the sole proprietor's death certificate;

(2) a copy of the power of attorney from the sole proprietor's executor, administrator, or heir designating a CPA licensee or registration holder in good standing with the Board to manage the sole proprietorship on behalf of such party. When such party is not a licensee or registration holder, the power of attorney must authorize a licensee or registration holder to manage the sole proprietorship on behalf of such party; and

(3) written evidence that a disruption in the continuation of the sole proprietorship would jeopardize the survivability of the firm.
 

Section 3.2. Reinstatement of a CPA Firm Permit


3.2.1. A CPA firm seeking reinstatement of a firm permit or privilege to practice public accounting which has been revoked, suspended, canceled voluntarily or canceled for failure to register must submit to the Board an application for reinstatement of such firm permit or privilege and satisfy the requirements as described herein.


3.2.2. Such application must be filed on the form prescribed by the Board and must include a signed and acknowledged petition which sets forth in full the circumstances surrounding the revocation, suspension, or cancellation of the applicant's permit, the applicant's reasons for seeking reinstatement, and any other information the applicant wishes to bring to the attention of the Board.


3.2.3. A former CPA firm whose permit or privilege has been revoked or suspended may make application for reinstatement in accordance with the provision of the Trial Board order.

(a) In considering an application the Board shall consider all activities of the applicant since the permit or privilege was canceled, revoked or suspended, including but not limited to the prior offense, the applicant's activities during the time the permit or privilege was in good standing, rehabilitative efforts, and restitution to damaged parties in the matter.

(b) After consideration of the applicant's petition and after conducting such personal examination of the applicant or other persons as it deems necessary, the Board may in its discretion reinstate any revoked, suspended or surrendered firm permit or privilege. The Board shall notify such applicant of its decision in writing.


3.2.4. The Board may impose appropriate terms and conditions for reinstatement of a firm permit or privilege, impose continuing conditions on a firm permit or privilege to be reinstated, and/or otherwise modify the requirements of a prior order of suspension, revocation or probation.


3.2.5. No application for reinstatement will be considered while the applicant is under a sentence for any criminal offense, including any period during which the applicant is on court imposed probation or parole.


3.2.6. A CPA firm who obtained the firm permit through reciprocity must provide the Board confirmation of good standing with the jurisdiction of original issue on forms as prescribed by this Board.


3.2.7. Reinstatement of a suspended firm permit or privilege related to a licensee’s noncompliance with an order for support as defined in Mississippi Code of 1972, Section 93-11-153, shall be reinstated only under the conditions provided per Section 93-11-157 or 93-11-163, as the case may be.

 

Chapter 4. Continuing Professional Education (CPE)


Section 4.1. Compliance Requirements


4.1.1. To receive a CPA license and to annually renew a CPA license, an individual must complete and report at a minimum, the CPE credit hours required under this section accrued during the applicable compliance & reporting period and on forms and by the due date prescribed by the Board.

4.1.2. All licensees must participate in a minimum of 40 CPE credit hours within each one year (twelve month) compliance period ending June. Only 20 of the 40 hours may be from carry-over hours as referred to in Section 4.1.4.

4.1.3. Effective with the triennial period beginning July 1, 2007, a minimum of three (3) CPE credit hours must be earned in a Board approved Ethics and Professional Conduct course(s) every three years. Also, effective with the triennial period beginning July 1, 2007, a minimum of one (1) CPE credit hour must be earned in Public Accountancy Law and Regulations course. No carry-over may be used to satisfy this requirement.

4.1.4. If more than 40 CPE credit hours are accumulated in a one year compliance period, the excess hours up to a maximum of 60 CPE credit hours may be carried over and applied up to 20 hours per year. However, no carry-over credit will be allowed unless obtained within 36 months prior to the beginning of the current compliance period.

4.1.5. An initial applicant for a license shall be exempt from earning CPE credit hours during the compliance period in which he completes the examination and exempt from the Ethics, Professional Conduct, Public Accountancy Law and Regulations CPE requirement for the remaining of that triennial compliance period. However, any CPE hours earned during that time may be carried forward subject to Section 4.1.4. In addition, the individual must satisfy the reporting requirements described in Section 4.2. even if the CPE credit hours is zero.

4.1.6. An individual who has applied and been granted by the Board the use of “CPA (retired)” or “Certified Public Accountant (retired)” as described in Section 2.5., Retirement Status or Permanent Disability, is exempt from the CPE requirements described in this Section.

4.1.7. Rescinded.

4.1.8. A former licensee whose license registration has been canceled for failure to register or canceled voluntarily who makes application for reinstatement must pay the required fees and penalties and must accrue the minimum CPE credit hours missed as a result of not being registered, subject to a maximum of 200 CPE credit hours including the Ethics, Professional Conduct, Public Accountancy Law and Regulations CPE requirement applicable to the compliance period(s), in lieu of resitting for the CPA examination, and in accordance with Section 2.4., Reinstatement of a License. A former licensee whose license has been revoked or suspended may make application for reinstatement in accordance with the provision of the Trial Board order and shall pay the required fees and penalties and shall accrue the minimum CPE credit hours missed unless otherwise provided per the order.


4.1.9. The Board may in its discretion make exceptions to the CPE credit hour requirements set out in this Section if:

(a) a licensee’s primary employment is not in Mississippi but is in a State whose CPE requirements are substantially equivalent to Mississippi’s requirements as determined by the Board and the individual is a licensee in that State of primary employment and reports those CPE credit hours as required per Section 4.2. with a sworn statement to the Board that the CPE requirements for that jurisdiction have been met. Except the individual must comply with the Ethics, Professional Conduct, Public Accountancy Law and Regulations CPE requirement unless his State of primary employment has an ethics CPE requirement and he complies with that requirement;

(b) a licensee shows reasons of health, certified by a medical doctor, that prevent compliance with the CPE requirement. A licensee must petition the Board for the exemption and provide documentation that clearly establishes the period of disability and the resulting physical limitations;

(c) a licensee is on extended active military duty during the period for which the exemption is requested, and files a copy of orders to active military duty with the Board;

(d) a licensee shows other good cause and reasons which prevent compliance that is acceptable to the Board.

(e) an individual is practicing certified public accounting or holding-out as a CPA in this state pursuant to the practice privileges afforded under Section 73-33-17 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended, and relevant statutory provisions pertaining thereto. However, the individual qualifying for the practice privilege shall be in compliance with the laws and rules regarding continuing professional education of their principal place of business wherein they shall be licensed and in good standing.
 

Section 4.2. Records and Reporting

4.2.1. Maintenance of Records and Control: Each licensee is individually responsible and must maintain records of all CPE in which he has participated showing:

(a) Sponsoring organization,

(b) Location of course,

(c) Title, description of content, and outline (or equivalent),

(d) Instructor(s) with qualifications,

(e) Date(s) attended,

(f) Contact hours (actual time) by category, and

(g) Number of credit hours claimed.

Credit will be allowed in the renewal period in which the course is completed.

4.2.2. Each licensee shall retain CPE records for a minimum of five (5) years after the end of the applicable one year and the triennial compliance period(s).


4.2.3. The Board, at its discretion, may verify the CPE information submitted by licensees through examination of such records and may require other information it deems necessary to determine the compliance with the CPE requirements, acceptability of a program for the purpose of the continuing professional education requirements or for administration of these rules.


4.2.4. A licensee must report CPE credit hours on the Board prescribed reporting form and by the required due date even if the number reported is zero. A blank reporting form will be interpreted as zero CPE credit hours.


4.2.5. A licensee who fails to complete and return the CPE reporting form and fails to report the minimum required CPE credit hours for the applicable reporting period will be subject to disciplinary action under Section 4.5. (relating to Disciplinary Actions Relating to CPE).

 

Section 4.3. Qualifying Programs


4.3.1. The overriding consideration in determining whether a specific program qualifies as acceptable continuing education is that it must be a formal program of learning which contributes directly to the professional competence of an individual licensee.


4.3.2. The intent of this regulation is that each licensee shall obtain sufficient CPE to assure professional competence in his or her field of employment or practice area, such as attest work and/or compilation of financial statements as defined by these Board rules and to satisfy the CPE requirements of other regulatory authorities and peer review.

4.3.3. Rescinded.

4.3.4. The responsibility for ascertaining and substantiating that a particular course or other program for which credit is claimed is acceptable and meets these continuing professional education requirements rests solely upon the licensee.


4.3.5. Personal development courses or classes are not approved by the Board as acceptable continuing professional education.


4.3.6. Subject to the condition that the subject matter meets the requirements of this Section and the activities maintain or improve the individual licensee’s professional competence, the following programs also qualify for CPE credit hours:

(a) Formal correspondence or other individual self-study programs. The Board will only acept self-study programs from CPE sponsors that are approved by the Quality Assurance Services (QAS) program of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). A licensee claiming credit hours for such courses will be required to obtain evidence of satisfactory completion of the course from the sponsor. Credit will be allowed in a compliance period in which the course is completed with a successful final examination. The amount of credit will be based on a 50-minute CPE credit hour and is subject to approval by the Board.

Independent study is not allowed. Such as, quizzers or programs requiring only the reading of reference materials, professional literature, or publications whether or not followed by a test are not allowable as CPE credit. Studying for examinations not established as formal programs of study and meeting these requirements are not allowable as CPE credit.

(b) Published articles and books. CPE credit hours may be claimed for published articles and books authored directly by the licensee provided they contribute to the professional competence of the licensee. The request should be accompanied by a copy of the article(s) or book(s) and an explanation of the circumstances and the number of hours requested. The amount of credit so awarded will be determined by the Board. Editing or reviewing another’s publication is not allowable as CPE credit.

(c) University or college credit courses. Each semester hour credit shall equal fifteen (15) CPE credit hours toward the requirement. Each quarter hour credit shall equal ten (10) CPE credit hours.

(d) University or college non-credit short courses. Each classroom hour will equal one qualifying hour.

(e) Formal organized in-firm education programs. Portions of such meetings devoted to administrative and firm matters cannot be included.

(f) Programs in other recognized organizations (accounting, industrial, professional, etc.)

(g) Lecturer, instructor or discussion leader. The credit to be granted for service as a lecturer, instructor or discussion leader of an acceptable formal program will be equal to the licensee’s preparation time up to twice the number of actual classroom hours of the lecture or session. However, no additional credit will be allowed for repetition of the same program.

(h) Continuing legal education. A CPA who has a current license to practice as an attorney and is practicing as an attorney, not in public accounting, may include toward the Board’s annual CPE requirement programs qualified and earned for CLE (continuing legal education).


4.3.7. The Board will not approve any program that does not offer sufficient evidence that the work has actually been accomplished.


4.3.8. Rescinded.


 

Section 4.4. Program Sponsors and Presentation Standards


4.4.1. CPE programs requiring class or meeting attendance must be conducted by persons whose background, training, education and experience qualify them as capable instructors, discussion leaders or lecturers on the subject matter of the particular programs. Instructors should be qualified both with respect to program content and teaching methods used. The instructor is a key ingredient in the learning process in any group program; therefore it is imperative that sponsors exercise great care in selecting qualified instructors for all group programs. Sponsors should evaluate the performance of instructors at the conclusion as described herein.


4.4.2. (a) Program sponsors must base learning activities on relevant learning objectives and outcomes that clearly articulate the knowledge, skills and abilities that can be achieved by participants in the learning activities.

(b) Programs sponsors should develop and execute learning activities in a manner consistent with the prerequisite education, experience, and/or advance preparation of participants.

(c) Program sponsors must use activities, materials and delivery systems that are current, technically accurate, and efficiently designed.

(d) Program sponsors must assure instructional methods employed are appropriate for the learning activities. Learning activities should be presented in manner consistent with the descriptive and technical materials provided.

(e) Programs sponsors must assure learning activities are reviewed by qualified persons other than those who developed them to make certain that the program is technically accurate and current and addresses the stated learning objectives. These reviews must occur before the first presentation of these materials and again afer each significant revision of the CPE programs.

(f) Program sponsors must inform participants in advance of objectives, prerequisites, experience level, content, advance preparation, teaching methods, and recommended continuing professional education credit hours, as described in Section 4.4.6. This should be accomplished through brochures or other announcements.

(g) Program sponsors must provide participants with documentation of participation, which includes:

(1) CPE program sponsor name and contact information.

(2) Participant’s name.

(3) Course title.

(4) Course field of study.

(5) Date offered or completed.

(6) Location (if applicable).

(7) Type of instructional delivery method used.

(8) Amount of CPE credit recommended.

(9) Verification of program sponsor representative.

(h) Program sponsors must employ an effective means for evaluating learning activity quality with respect to content and presentation, as well as provide a mechanism for participants to assess whether learning objectives were met.


4.4.3. To facilitate participants’ expectations that programs will increase professional competence, program sponsors should encourage participation only by individuals with appropriate education and/or experience. The term “education and/or experience” in the standard also implies that participants will be expected to complete any advance preparation. An essential step in encouraging advance preparation is timely distribution of program materials.


4.4.4. Program sponsors must retain adequate documentation for a minimum of five years after the date of the presentation or initial offering to support their compliance with these standards and their reports that may be required of participants. As a part of this documentation, a record of attendance shall be made and maintained. The records of attendance should reflect the CPE credit hours earned by each participant, including those who arrive late or leave early. All documentation shall be open to Board inspection on request of the Board. These records should include, but are not limited to:

(a) Location of course,

(b) Title, description of content, and outline (or equivalent),

(c) Date(s),

(d) Instructor(s) with biography,

(e) Number of credit hours, and

(f) Evaluation of program as described below.


4.4.5. Rescinded.


4.4.6. Calculations of Hours of Credit. The following standards will be used to measure the hours of credit to be given for acceptable continuing professional education:

(a) For purposes of CPE credit hours, 50 minutes of continuous participation in a group program shall constitute one CPE credit hour. The shortest recognized program must consist of one hour.

(b) For continuous programs, conferences and conventions, when individual segments are less than 50 minutes, the sum of the segments will be considered equal to one total program. For example - five 30-minute presentations would equal 150 minutes and should be counted as three contact hours.

(c) Only class hours, actual hours of attendance, or equivalent (and not student hours devoted to preparation) will be counted.

(d) A participant who is not present for an entire program may claim credit only for the actual time he attended.

(e) Self-study programs must be pretested to determine average completion time. The amount of credit will be based on a 50-minute CPE credit hour and is subject to approval by the Board.


4.4.7. Program sponsors are responsible for compliance with all applicable standards and other CPE requirements. Any course or program offered or held out as a CPE program is subject to Board audit and monitoring to assure it meets these standards.

 

Section 4.5. Disciplinary Actions Relating to CPE


4.5.1. A licensee who fails to comply with the provisions of Section 4.2. of this title (relating to CPE records and reporting) or Section 4.1. of this title (relating to CPE attendance) may be subject to disciplinary action under the Mississippi Code of 1972, Section 73-33-11, for violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct.


4.5.2. A licensee shall retain documents or other evidence supporting CPE credit hours claimed for the five most recent full reporting periods to the date the credit hours are reported to the Board, and shall submit the supporting evidence to the Board if such data is requested.


4.5.3. The Board may, as deemed appropriate, audit, CPE data supplied by a licensee and request that all evidence supporting CPE credit hours claimed be provided to the Board within a reasonable period of time as prescribed by the Board.


4.5.4. Evidence of falsification, fraud, or deceit in the CPE information or documentation supplied will necessitate disciplinary action as authorized in the Mississippi Code of 1972, Section 73-33-11.


4.5.5. Denial of a License. The Board shall not issue or renew a license to an individual who has not completed the required CPE credit hours unless an exemption has been granted by the Board.
 

Chapter 5. Practice Review Program (Peer Review)


Section 5.1. Purpose

The purpose of the Board’s practice review program is to monitor compliance with applicable accounting and auditing standards adopted by generally recognized standard-setting bodies, thus improve the quality of financial reporting assuring that the public can rely on the fairness of presentation of financial information on which a practice unit issued or should have issued reports in accordance with professional standards, including audits, reviews, compilations, agreed upon procedures, forecasts, projections, other special reports or any accounting and auditing services defined for peer review purposes.
 

Section 5.2. Definitions

The following words and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings.

(a) Practice unit - A CPA firm as defined by the definitions of these regulations and required to be Board registered with a firm permit for the purpose of the practice of public accountancy, a sole proprietor not registered by the Board as a firm, and licensees aggregated by the Board into a practice unit.

(b) Practice Review - The Board’s oversight program to monitor peer review or equivalent programs through sponsoring organizations required to be registered with the Board and to monitor practice units’ mandatory participation in peer review programs.

(c) Sponsoring organization - An entity that has met, and at all relevant times continues to meet, the standards specified by the board for administering the peer reviews or equivalent programs. Qualified sponsoring organizations shall be registered with and approved by the Board concerning their adherence to the peer review minimum standards. The board shall periodically publish a list of sponsoring organizations which have applied for and received approval from the board.
 

Section 5.3. Practice Review


5.3.1. A practice unit which has not performed any engagement as defined in paragraph 1 of this Section during the 12 months prior to registration per Chapter 3. shall be exempt from the mandatory peer review, but not from registering with the Board.
 

5.3.2. Unless exempt under section 5.3.1. or 5.5. each ongoing practice unit shall complete a peer review once every three years in order to register with the Board.
 

5.3.3. Unless exempt under section 5.3.1., each new practice unit shall enroll in the program of an approved sponsoring organization in accordance with paragraph 5.6. of this section within one year from its initial permitting date or the performance of accounting and/or auditing services that require a review. The practice unit shall adopt the review date assigned by the sponsoring organization and must notify the board of the date within 30 days of its assignment.
 

5.3.4. The Board may accept an extension, not to exceed 180 days, as granted by the sponsoring organization to conduct a review, provided the board is notified by the practice unit within 20 days of the date of such an extension.
 

5.3.5. A practice unit choosing to change to another sponsoring organization may do so provided that the practice unit authorizes the previous sponsoring organization to communicate to the succeeding sponsoring organization any outstanding corrective actions related to the practice unit’s most recent review. Any outstanding actions must be cleared prior to transfer between sponsoring organizations.
 

Section 5.4. Reporting to the Board

5.4.1. Every practice unit not exempt by these rules, after completion of a peer review, shall procure a statement signed by the review team captain, a statement signed by a member of the practice unit being reviewed, or letter of acceptance from an approved review program, stating that the practice unit has completed a peer review. The practice unit shall submit the statement or documentation with registration following the review as set forth in Section 5.3.
 

5.4.2. The Board may, in its discretion, require a practice unit to submit a completed peer review report, including the letter of comments and the practice unit’s response.
 

5.4.3. A practice unit claiming an exemption shall notify the board as to this status in writing with an explanation of the services offered by the practice unit with registration as set forth in Section 3.1.
 

Section 5.5. Phase-in Provision

Practice units not required to participate in a peer review program prior to July 1, 1999, under prior Rules and Regulations shall be required to obtain a peer review from an authorized sponsoring organization within twenty-four months.
 

Section 5.6. Requirements of Sponsoring Organizations’ Peer Review Programs


5.6.1. Minimum standards. The board hereby adopts "Standards for Performing and Reporting on Peer Reviews" promulgated by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Inc., as its minimum standards for review of practice units.
 

5.6.2. A sponsoring organization is subject to review by an independent Board Oversight Committee as set forth in Section 5.7.
 

5.6.3. To qualify as a sponsoring organization, an entity must submit an administration plan to the Board for review and approval. The plan of administration must:

(a) establish a peer review committee (PRC) and subcommittees as needed, and provide professional staff as needed for the operation of the review program;

(b) establish and document a program to communicate to practice units participating in the program the latest developments in peer review standards and the most common findings in the reviews conducted by the sponsoring organization;

(c) establish and document procedures for resolving any disagreement which may arise out of the performance of a review;

(d) establish procedures to resolve matters which may lead to the dismissal of a practice unit from the peer review program, and conduct hearings pursuant to those procedures;

(e) establish procedures to evaluate and document the performance of each reviewer, and conduct hearings which may lead to the disqualification of a reviewer who does not meet the AICPA standards;

(f) require the maintenance of records of reviews conducted under the program in accordance with the records retention rules of the AICPA; and

(g) provide for periodical examinations and reports to the Board’s Oversight Committee on the results of the program.
 

5.6.4. A peer review committee (PRC) is comprised of CPAs practicing public accountancy and formed by a sponsoring organization for the purpose of accepting review reports submitted by practice units on review engagements.

(a) Each member of a PRC must be active in the practice of public accountancy at a supervisory level in the accounting or auditing function while serving on the committee. The member's practice unit must be enrolled in an approved practice monitoring program and have received an unqualified report on its most recent review. A majority of the committee members must satisfy the qualifications required of onsite peer review team captains as established and reported in the AICPA Standards for Performing and Reporting and Peer Reviews, paragraph 76.

(b) Each member of the PRC must be approved for appointment by the governing body of the sponsoring organization.

(c) In determining the size of the PRC, the requirement for broad industry experience, and the likelihood of some members needing to recuse themselves during the consideration of some reviews a result of the members' close association to the practice unit or having performed the review, shall be considered.

(d) No more than one PRC member may be from the same practice unit.

(e) A PRC member may not concurrently serve as a member of his:

(1) state's board of public accountancy; or

(2) state’s CPA society’s ethics committee.

(f) A PRC member may not participate in any discussion or have any vote with respect to a reviewed practice unit when the committee member lacks independence as defined in Section 6.2. of the board's Rules of Professional Conduct (relating to Independence) or has a conflict of interest. Examples of conflicts of interest include, but are not limited to:

(1) the member's practice unit has performed the most recent review of the reviewed practice unit’s accounting and auditing practice;

(2) the member served on the review team which performed the current or the immediately preceding review of the enrolled practice unit;

(3) the member serves on the state board of accountancy or state society ethics committee of any state in which any office of the practice unit is located; and

(4) the member believes he cannot be impartial or objective.

(g) Each PRC member must comply with the confidentiality requirements of Mississippi Code of 1972, Section 73-33-12. The sponsoring organization may annually require its PRC members to sign a statement acknowledging their appointments and the responsibilities and obligations of their appointments.
 

5.6.5. Responsibilities of the Peer Review Committee.

(a) The PRC shall establish and administer the sponsoring organization's review program in accordance with the AICPA Standards for Performing and Reporting on Peer Reviews.

(b) The PRC shall, when necessary in reviewing reports on peer reviews, prescribe actions designed to assure correction of the deficiencies in the reviewed practice unit’s system of quality control policies and procedures.

(c) The PRC shall monitor the prescribed remedial and corrective actions to determine compliance by the reviewed practice unit.

(d) The PRC shall resolve instances in which there is a lack of cooperation and disagreement between the committee and review teams or reviewed practice units in accordance with the sponsoring organization's adjudication process.

(e) The PRC shall act upon requests from practice units for changes in the timetable of their reviews.

(f) The PRC may appoint members to subcommittees and task forces as necessary to carry out its functions.

(g) The PRC shall establish and perform procedures for insuring that reviews are performed and reported on in accordance with the AICPA Standards for Performing and Reporting on Peer Reviews.

(h) The PRC shall establish a report acceptance process which facilitates the exchange of viewpoints among committee members.

(i) The PRC shall communicate to the governing body of the sponsoring organization on a recurring basis:

(1) problems experienced by the enrolled practice units in their systems of quality control as noted in the reviews conducted by the sponsoring organization;

(2) problems experienced in the implementation of the review program; and

(3) a summary of the historical results of the review program.
 

Section 5.7. Board Oversight - Practice Review

5.7.1. The Board shall appoint a Board Oversight Committee (BOC) whose function shall be the oversight and monitoring of sponsoring organizations for compliance and implementation of the minimum standards for peer review performance and reporting on reviews. Oversight procedures to be followed by the BOC shall be provided for by rules promulgated by the board. Information concerning a specific practice unit or reviewer obtained by the BOC during oversight activities shall be confidential, and the practice unit’s or reviewer's identity shall not be reported to the board. The BOC shall consist of three members, none of whom are current members of the board. The Board shall designate and have control over who sits on the committee within the following guidelines:

(a) No member of the Board Oversight Committee shall be a current member of the Board, an employee of the Board, the sponsoring organization, or the ethics committees of the AICPA or CPA Society.

(b) Members of the Board Oversight Committee shall be appointed by the Board to serve terms of service no less than three years and no more than five years.

(c) All members of the Board Oversight Committee shall be licensees in the State of Mississippi, with extensive experience in accounting and auditing, currently in practice at the partner (or equivalent) level, and shall be members of the Society or the AICPA. The member’s practice unit must have received an unqualified opinion from its last peer review.
 

5.7.2. Operation and Function.

(a) At least one member of the BOC may attend all meetings of the Society Peer Review Committee. Attendance is integral to the oversight of the program because of the necessity to hear the deliberations and considerations made by the Peer Review Committee. Certain Peer Review Committee meetings may be conducted by telephone. In those instances, the oversight committee may join the conference call.

(b) The Board shall be responsible for the travel cost of the BOC member attending the PRC meetings.

(c) The BOC shall meet at its discretion to compile an annual report to the Board as to the continued reliance on the sponsoring organization review reports as grounds for excluding CPAs from undergoing Board initiated reviews. However, in no case shall the BOC report any matters to the Board that could divulge the identity of a practice unit or a CPA.

(d) The sponsoring organization PRC will address all items of feedback from the oversight committee.

(e) In order for the BOC to function appropriately, the sponsoring organization will make available to the BOC the following:

(1) Standards, procedures, guidelines, training materials and similar documents prepared for the use of reviewers, reviewed practice units, and administering entities.

(2) Information concerning the extent to which the PRC has reviewed the quality of reviewers’ working papers in connection with the acceptance of reviews.

(3) Statistical data concerning the results of reviews including number and type of corrective actions required and the number, nature and extent of the monitoring procedures applied.

(4) The following documents on a reasonable sample of reviews that have been accepted by the PRC:

a. The report and letter of comments, if any, on the review and the practice unit’s letter of response.

b. The firm-wide summary review memorandum.

c. The team captain checklist.

d. Any working papers, notes, or other documentation, including reviewer working papers prepared or reviewed by the Peer Review Committee in connection with the scheduling, performance, or acceptance of the review.

e. Correspondence or other documentation concerning acceptance of the review, the imposition of required corrective actions, the monitoring procedures applied, and the results thereof.

f. The Oversight Committee shall predetermine the number of reviews to be selected each year and shall select the specific reviews using random sampling.

(5) The sponsoring organizations’ PRC meetings and all minutes of such meetings, including meetings during which peer review reports are considered.

(f) BOC members shall not take part in the discussion of a peer review by the PRC nor offer any evidentiary matters related to a particular practice unit.
 

5.7.3. Confidentiality. Members of the State BOC shall sign an agreement to appraise all information to which they have access as confidential. This is consistent with the responsibilities assumed by PRC members. The BOC shall not communicate to the Board information, or any of its staff, that would divulge the identity of a licensee or a practice unit.
 

5.7.4. Reporting. Annually and no later than ninety days after the end of its June 30 fiscal year, the sponsoring organization’s Executive Director or equivalent shall provide the Board’s Executive Director a listing of CPAs names that participated in the sponsoring organization’s peer review program within the prior fiscal year. The list shall present no confidential information related to the program; however, shall present only dates for the last peer review and next scheduled review for each. In addition, the PRC agrees to notify the Board in writing the name of any practice unit discontinued from its program and the known reasons for discontinuance.
Chapter 5. Practice Review Program (Peer Review)
 

5.7.5. Funding. The expenses of the State BOC will be paid by the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy after Committee members complete necessary forms as prescribed by the Board and as agreed to by the applicable parties.
 

Section 5.8. Investigations

Nothing in this section should be construed to prohibit the Board from initiating an investigation involving compliant(s) of alleged violations of statute or Rules and Regulations against a practice unit or CPA.
 

Chapter 6. Rules of Professional Conduct


Section 6.1. Preamble

6.1.1. The Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy promulgates these Rules of Professional Conduct within the Rules and Regulations under the authority of Title 73, Chapter 33 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended which directs the Board to adopt and enforce such rules and regulations “. . . as the Board considers necessary to maintain the highest standard of proficiency in the profession of certified public accounting and for the protection of the public interest.” The services usually and customarily performed by CPAs involve a high degree of skill, education, trust and experience which are professional in scope and nature. The use of professional designations carries an implication of possession of the competence associated with a profession. The public, in general, and the business community, in particular, rely on this professional competence by placing confidence in reports and other services of accountants. The public’s reliance, in turn, imposes obligations on persons utilizing professional designation, both to their clients and to the public in general. These obligations include maintaining independence of thought and action, continuously improving professional skills, observing, where applicable, generally accepted accounting principles, generally accepted auditing standards, and other professional standards, promoting sound and informative financial reporting, holding the affairs of clients in confidence, upholding the standards of personal and professional conduct in all matters affecting fitness to the practice of accountancy.


6.1.2. The Rules of Professional Conduct are intended to have application to all professional services performed by licensees, CPA firms, non-CPA owners, CPAs qualified for practice privileges and/or firm permit holders (registrants) including but not limited to auditing, accounting, review and compilation services, tax preparation services, tax advisory services, management advisory services, financial advisory, investment planning, and consulting services.


6.1.3. The Rules of Professional Conduct are intended to apply as well to all registrants and CPAs qualified for practice privileges, whether or not engaged in the practice of public accounting, except where the wording indicates that the applicability is more limited. However, a registrant practicing outside the United States will not be subject to discipline for departing from any of the rules stated herein so long as his conduct is in accord with the rules of the organized accounting profession in the country in which he is practicing. However, where a registrant’s name is associated with financial statements in such a manner as to imply that he is acting as an independent certified public accountant and under circumstances that would entitle the reader to assume that United States practices were followed, he must comply with the requirement of all applicable rules.


6.1.4. A CPA shall be held responsible for compliance with the Rules of Professional Conduct by all persons associated with him in the practice of public accounting who are either under his supervision or are his partners, shareholders, or members in the practice. A firm permit holder shall be responsible for assuring compliance with these rules by any of its officers, directors, shareholders, principals, partners, proprietors, employees or agents.


6.1.5. A CPA or firm permit holder shall not permit others to carry out on his behalf, either with or without compensation, acts which, if carried out by the registrant would place him in violation of the rules of professional conduct.


6.1.6. These rules do not identify all acts that may be considered incompatible with the obligations and responsibilities imposed by professional status or discreditable or harmful even though not specifically mentioned or described in the rules. Any registrant may be censured, suspended or revoked by the Board for any unprofessional conduct or other sufficient cause whether or not the alleged misconduct is specifically enumerated or described in the following rules, provided proper notice and hearing is given said registrant.
 

Section 6.2. Independence.


6.2.1. A CPA or firm of which he is partner, member, or shareholder shall not express an opinion or issue a review report on financial statements of a client unless he is and, if applicable, his firm are independent in fact and appearance with respect to such client. Examples of such impairment of independence include but are not limited to:

(a) During the period of the professional engagement or at the time of expressing an opinion or issuing a review report, he or the CPA firm:

(1) had or was committed to acquire any direct or material indirect financial interest in the client; or

(2) had any joint closely held business investment with the client or any officer, director, partner, or principal stockholder thereof which was material in relation to the CPA or firm permit holder’s net worth;

(3) had any loan to or from the client or any officer, director partner, or principal stockholder thereof. This latter proscription does not apply to the following loans from a financial institution when made under normal lending procedures, terms and requirements:

a. loans obtained by a CPA or the firm which are not material in relation to the net worth of such borrower;

b. home mortgages;

c. other secured loans, except loans guaranteed by a CPA ’s firm which are otherwise unsecured;

(4) was a trustee of any trust or executor or administrator of any estate that had or was committed to acquire any direct or material indirect financial interest in the client;

(b) During the period covered by the financial statements, during the period of the professional engagement or at the time of expressing an opinion or issuing a review report, the CPA or the CPA firm:

(1) was connected with the client as a promoter, underwriter or voting trustee, a director or officer or in any capacity equivalent to that of a member of management of an employee;

(2) was a trustee of any trust or executor or administrator of any estate if such trust or estate had a direct or material indirect financial interest in the client; or was a trustee for any pension or profit-sharing trust of the client;

(3) had a commitment from the client for a commission or contingent fee in violation of Sections 6.6. or 6.7.


6.2.2. In any instance in which a CPA’s name and/or CPA firm’s name is associated with financial statements, if he/it is not independent, such lack of independence shall be disclosed.


6.2.3. Independence will be presumed to be impaired if the CPA or firm permit holder performs audit services, other than for charitable organizations, for a fee that is less than the direct labor cost reasonably expected at the time the engagement was accepted to be incurred in performing such services. For this purpose direct labor costs means the total compensation of the person or persons expected to perform the service for the time they are expected to serve on the engagement plus all payroll expenses related to such compensation.


6.2.4. A CPA or firm permit holder’s independence may be impaired by a close relative’s association with a client. Close relatives are defined as spouses and dependent persons, whether or not related, and defined as dependent and non-dependent children, grandchildren, stepchildren, brothers, sisters, parents, grandparents, parents-in-law, and their respective spouses.

(a) CPA and firm permit holders must consider whether the strength of personal and business relationships between the CPA or firm permit holder and the close relative would lead a reasonable person who is aware of all the facts to conclude that the situation poses an unacceptable threat to the certificate or registration holder's objectivity and appearance of independence. In reaching this conclusion, the CPA or firm permit holder should consider the specific association with the client.

(b) A CPA or firm permit holder’s independence will be presumed to be impaired with respect to a client if:

(1) during the period of the professional engagement or at the time of expressing an opinion, the CPA or firm permit holder participating in the engagement has knowledge of a close relative who has a material financial interest in the client;

(2) during the period covered by the financial statements, during the period of the professional engagement, or at the time of expressing an opinion:

a. the CPA or firm permit holder participating in the engagement has a close relative who could exercise significant influence over the operative, financial, or accounting policies of the client or is otherwise employed in a position in which the close relative's activities are normally an element of or subject to significant internal accounting controls;

b. a proprietor, shareholder, or individual in a managerial position in a licensee or firm permit holder’s office has a close relative who could exercise significant influence over the client's operating, financial, or accounting policies, if that proprietor, shareholder or individual participates in a significant portion of the engagement.

6.2.5. The examples of impaired independence described in subsections above are not intended to be all-inclusive.

 

Section 6.3. Integrity


6.3.1. The reliance of the public and the business community on sound financial reporting and advice on business affairs imposes on the accounting profession an obligation to maintain high standards of technical competence, morality, and integrity. To this end, a CPA and firm shall at all times maintain independence of thought and action, hold the affairs of clients in strict confidence, strive continuously to improve professional skills, observe generally accepted accounting principles and standards, promote sound and informative financial reporting, uphold the dignity and honor of the accounting profession, and maintain high standards of personal conduct.


6.3.2. A CPA shall not knowingly misrepresent facts, and/or subordinate his judgment to non-CPAs. In tax practice, a CPA may resolve doubt in favor of the CPA's client as long as there is reasonable support for the CPA's position.
 

Section 6.4. Objectivity

6.4.1. When offering or rendering accounting or related financial, tax, management or investment or advice, a CPA or firm permit holder shall be objective and shall not place its own financial interests nor the financial interests of a third party ahead of the legitimate financial interests of a client or the public in any context in which a client or the public can reasonably expect objectivity from one using the CPA title.


6.4.2. If a CPA or firm permit holder uses the CPA title in any way to obtain or maintain a client relationship, the Board will presume the reasonable expectation of objectivity.
 

Section 6.5. Solicitation, Advertising and Public Communication


6.5.1. A CPA or firm permit holder shall not seek to obtain clients by any communication or advertising (written, oral, or electronic), or other forms of solicitation: (1) in a manner that is false, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive, unfair, tends to promote unsupported claims, or (2) which is accomplished or accompanied by the use of coercion, duress, compulsion, intimidation, or vexatious or harassing conduct. A false, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive, unfair, unsupported statement or claim includes (but is not limited to) those that:

(a) create false or unjustified expectations of favorable results;

(b) contain a misrepresentation of fact;

(c) imply the ability to influence any court, tribunal, regulatory agency or similar body or official;

(d) consist of statements that are self-laudatory and that are not based on verifiable facts;

(e) make incomplete comparisons with other licensees;

(f) contain testimonials or endorsements;

(g) is likely to mislead or deceive because in context it makes only partial disclosure of relevant facts;

(h) relate to fees or a range of fees not fully disclosing all variables and other relevant facts; or

(i) contain any other representations that would be likely to cause a reasonable and ordinary prudent person to misunderstand or be deceived.


6.5.2. A CPA shall not on behalf of himself, his partner or associate, or any other individual affiliated with him or his firm, use or participate in the use of any form of public communication containing a false, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive or unfair statement or claim, or advertising which the Board considers to be self-serving rather than in the public interest.


6.5.3. It shall be a violation of these rules for a CPA or firm permit holder to persist in contacting a prospective client when the prospective client has made known or the CPA or firm permit holder should have known the prospective client's desire not to be contacted. Any attempt to continue a contact, which the CPA or firm permit holder knows or should know is unwanted, is not permitted.


6.5.4. In the case of direct communications including mail, e-mail, fax internet or other communications, the CPA or firm permit holder shall retain a copy of the actual mailing along with a list or other description of persons to whom the communication was mailed or otherwise distributed. Such copy shall be retained by the CPA or firm permit holder for a period of at least 36 months from the date of the last transmission or use. This does not apply to persons when:

(a) the communication is made to a person who is at that time a client of the CPA or firm permit holder; or

(b) the communication is invited by the person to whom it was made.


6.5.5. In the case of public advertising the CPA or firm permit holder shall retain a record of said advertising for at least 36 months.


6.5.6. A CPA or CPA firm offering to perform professional services via the internet shall include the following information on the internet:

(a) CPA business or CPA firm name;

(b) principal place of business;

(c) business telephone;

(d) Mississippi CPA license number (identified as Mississippi); and

(e) Mississippi CPA firm permit number.

The disclaimer explained in Section 3.1.9. must be included by non-qualified firms.
 

Section 6.6. Commissions


6.6.1. A CPA or firm permit holder shall neither pay any consideration or commission to obtain a client, nor accept any consideration or commission for the referral of a client to others, nor for a commission recommend or refer to a client any product or service, or for a commission recommend or refer any product or service to be supplied by a client, or receive a commission, when the CPA or the CPA firm also performs for that client any of the following:

(a) an audit or review of a financial statement;

(b) a compilation of a financial statement when the CPA or firm permit holder expects, or reasonably might expect, that a third party will use the financial statement and the compilation report does not disclose a lack of independence;

(c) an examination of prospective financial information; or

(d) any other service requiring independence.

This prohibition applies during the period in which the CPA or firm permit holder is engaged to perform any of the services listed above and the period covered by any historical financial statements involved.


6.6.2. A CPA or firm permit holder who is not prohibited by this section from performing services for or receiving a commission and who is paid or expects to be paid a commission shall disclose that fact to any person or entity to whom the licensee or firm permit holder recommends or refers a product or service to which the commission relates and in compliance with these Rules and Regulations.


6.6.3. A CPA or firm permit holder who accepts consideration or a commission for a referral shall disclose such acceptance or payment to the client in compliance with the requirements of Section 6.6.5. of these Rules and Regulations.


6.6.4. This rule shall not prohibit payments for the purchase of all, or a material part of, an accounting practice, non-compete agreements, or retirement payments to individuals formerly engaged in the practice of public accounting or payments to their heirs and estates.


6.6.5. Disclosures of commissions for the recommendation or referral of a product or service to client(s) or considerations or commissions to a client for a referral shall include the minimum disclosures in accordance with the following.

(a) be in writing, be clear and conspicuous;

(b) state the amount of the consideration or commission or the basis on which it will be computed;

(c) be made at or prior to the time of the recommendation or referral of the product or service for which consideration or commission is paid or prior to the client retaining the licensee or firm permit holder to whom the client has been referred for which a referral fee is paid; and

(d) be signed by both the CPA or firm permit holder and the client.
 

Section 6.7. Contingent Fees

6.7.1. Professional services shall not be offered or rendered under an arrangement whereby no fee will be charged unless a specified finding or result is attained, or where the fee is otherwise contingent upon the findings or result of such services. However, fees may vary depending, for example, on the complexity of the service rendered.


6.7.2. Fees are not regarded as being contingent if fixed by courts or other public authorities or, in tax matters, if determined based on the results of judicial proceedings or the findings of governmental agencies.
 

Section 6.8. Competence

A CPA or firm permit holder shall not undertake any engagement which he or the firm cannot reasonably expect to complete with professional competence and due professional care, including compliance, where applicable with Sections 6.9., 6.10., and 6.11. of these Rules and Regulations relating to auditing standards, accounting principles, and other professional standards.
 

Section 6.9. Auditing Standards

6.9.1. A CPA or firm permit holder shall not permit his name to be associated with financial statements in such a manner as to imply that he is acting as an independent public accountant unless he has complied with the applicable generally accepted auditing standards.

6.9.2. Statements on auditing standards issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and in other pronouncements having similar generally recognized or legal authority, are considered to be interpretations of generally accepted auditing standards, and departures from such pronouncements, where applicable, must be justified by those who do not follow them.
 

Section 6.10. Accounting Principles


6.10.1. A CPA or firm permit holder shall not express an opinion that financial statements are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles if such statements contain any departure from an accounting principle which has a material effect on the statements taken as a whole, unless the CPA or firm permit holder can demonstrate that due to unusual circumstances the financial statements would otherwise have been misleading. In such cases the report must describe the departure, the approximate effects thereof, if practicable, and the reasons why compliance with the principle would result in a misleading statement.


6.10.2. Generally accepted accounting principles are represented by the Statements of Financial Accounting Standards issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, and any predecessor entities, and similar pronouncements issued by other entities having similar generally recognized authority, such as the Accounting Research Bulletins and Accounting Principles Board Opinions which are not superceded by action of the FASB, including subsequent amendments.
 

Section 6.11. Other Professional Standards


A CPA or firm permit holder shall conform to all professional standards applicable to the services being performed including but not limited to government accounting and auditing, public company engagements, consulting, accounting and review services, tax practice, financial projections.

Section 6.12. Confidential Client Information


6.12.1. A CPA or firm permit holder shall not disclose any confidential information obtained in the course of a professional engagement except with the consent of the client. This rule shall not be construed:

(a) to relieve a CPA or firm permit holder of his obligation under Sections 6.9, 6.10, and 6.11. of these Rules and Regulations,

(b) to affect in any way compliance with a valid subpoena or summons enforceable by the Board or by order of a court,

(c) to prohibit review of a practice unit’s professional practices as a part of the Board’s practice review or for peer review, or

(d) to preclude a CPA or firm permit holder from responding to any inquiry made by the Board under state statutes, or a duly constituted investigative or disciplinary body of a national or state professional accounting association.


6.12.2. Members of the Board and professional practice reviewers shall not disclose any confidential client information which comes to their attention from CPAs in disciplinary proceedings or otherwise in carrying out their official responsibilities. However, this prohibition shall not restrict the exchange of information with an aforementioned duly constituted investigative or disciplinary body.
 

Section 6.13. Records


6.13.1. A CPA or firm permit holder shall furnish to a client or former client (regardless of the status of the client or former client account) upon request, any accounting or other records belonging to, or obtained for, the client which he or the firm may have had occasion to remove from the client’s premises, or to receive for the client’s account, but this shall not preclude him from making copies of such documents when they form the basis of work done by him (or his firm), but in no event shall the accountant have a lien on these accounting or other records.


6.13.2. Within a reasonable time after original issuance, a CPA or firm permit holder shall furnish to a client, or former client, upon request (subject to the provisions of this section):

(a) a copy of a tax return,

(b) a copy of a report, or other document, that was previously issued to or for such client (provided that furnishing such reports to or for such client or former client would not cause the violation of Section 6.9., Auditing Standards concerning subsequent events),

(c) source documents provided by the client; or

(d) a copy of the working papers, to the extent that such working papers include records which would ordinarily constitute part of the client’s books and records and are not otherwise available to the client. Examples of records include but are not limited to computer generated books of original entry, general ledgers, subsidiary ledgers, adjusting, closing and reclassification entries, journal entries and depreciation schedules or their equivalent.

The information should be provided in the medium in which it is requested if it exists in that format (for example electronic or hard copy). It does not have to be converted to another format.


6.13.3. In no case shall source documents be withheld from clients; however, the CPA or firm permit holder shall not be compelled to surrender work products for which he has not been compensated. A CPA or firm permit holder shall also be permitted to collect in advance of issuance a reasonable fee for time and expenses of issuing or reproducing a return and/or report referred to above.


6.13.4. All statements, records, schedules, working papers and memoranda made by a CPA or firm permit holder incident to or in the course of professional services to clients by such CPA or firm permit holder to a client, must be retained for a minimum period of five years and shall remain the property of such licensee or firm permit holder in the absence of an express agreement between such licensee or firm permit holder and the client to the contrary. No such statement, record, schedule, working paper or memorandum shall be sold, transferred or bequeathed without the consent of the client or his personal representative or assignee to anyone other than one or more surviving partners or new partners of such licensee or firm permit holder or to his corporation or any combined or merged partnership or successor in interest to the partnership.
 

Section 6.14. Discreditable Conduct


6.14.1. A CPA shall conduct himself in a manner which will contribute to the honor and dignity of the State and the profession and shall not at any time commit an act or engage in any conduct discreditable to the accounting profession.


6.14.2. A discreditable act includes but is not limited to:

(a) acts that reflect adversely on the CPA's honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, good moral character, or fitness as a CPA in other respects;

(b) stating or implying an ability to improperly influence a governmental agency or official; or

(c) failing to comply with any order issued by the Board.

 

Section 6.15. Discipline by Federal and State Authorities


6.15.1. A CPA shall conduct himself in a manner which will not cause him to be disciplined by federal or state agencies or boards for violations of laws or rules on ethics. A licensee or firm permit holder who engages in activities regulated by other federal or state authorities (including but not limited to the following agencies: IRS, Department of Revenue, SEC, State Bar, Mississippi Secretary of State, State Auditor, State Treasurer, Department of Insurance, GAO, HUD) must comply with all such authorities’ ethics laws and rules.


6.15.2. A CPA or firm permit holder shall not perform actions in ways that would cause suspension or disbarment from practice before the Treasury Department or other federal agency or have his CPA certificate/license issued by any other state or territory revoked or suspended for reasons other than non-payment of fees, failure to register, failure to meet educational requirements, or other similar technical administrative reasons.

 

Section 6.16. Form of Practice

A CPA may practice public accounting, whether as an owner or employee, only through an entity meeting ownership requirements as specified in Chapter 3. of these Rules and Regulations and properly registered with the Board with a firm permit to practice public accountancy unless otherwise exempted by statute.

 

Section 6.17. Prohibited Acts

The following acts shall constitute grounds for which disciplinary actions may be taken by the Board:


6.17.1. The CPA or firm permit holder has made misleading, deceptive, untrue, or fraudulent representations in the practice of public accounting.


6.17.2. The CPA or firm permit holder has been convicted of a felony.


6.17.3. The CPA or firm permit holder obtained his license to practice public accounting by use of fraud or a material misrepresentation of a material fact.


6.17.4. A person has knowingly attested as an expert in accountancy to the reliability or fairness of presentation of financial information or utilized any form of disclaimer of opinion which is intended or conventionally understood to convey an assurance of reliability as to matters not specifically disclaimed prior to obtaining or without holding an active license. This shall not prevent the performance by persons other than certified public accountants of the services involving the use of accounting skills, including the preparation of tax returns and the preparation of financial statements without expression of opinion thereon.


6.17.5. A person knowingly presents as his own, the license to practice public accounting of another.


6.17.6. A person knowingly gives false or forged evidence to the Board or a member thereof for the purpose of obtaining or renewing a license to practice public accounting.


6.17.7. A person violates or knowingly conceals information relative to the Mississippi Code Section 73-33-1, et.seq., any successor statutes, or regulations promulgated thereunder.


6.17.8. The CPA or firm permit holder attempts to procure or renew a license to practice public accounting by bribery, or fraudulent misrepresentations.


6.17.9. The CPA or firm permit holder has a license or firm permit to practice public accounting revoked, suspended or otherwise acted against by the authority of another state, territory or country.


6.17.10. The CPA or firm permit holder is convicted or found guilty, regardless of adjudication, or pleads no contest to a crime in any jurisdiction which directly relates to the practice of public accounting or the ability to practice public accounting.


6.17.11. The CPA or firm permit holder makes or files a report, which he knows to be false, willfully fails to file a report or record required by state or federal law, willfully impedes or obstructs such filing, or induces another person to impede or obstruct such filing. Such reports or records shall include only those which are signed in the capacity of a certified public accountant.


6.17.12. The CPA or firm permit holder is guilty of fraud or deceit, or of gross negligence, incompetency, or misconduct in the practice of public accounting.


6.17.13. The CPA or firm permit holder has had his right to practice accounting before any state or federal agency suspended or revoked.


6.17.14 The CPA or firm permit holder has performed a fraudulent act while holding a license to practice public accounting.


6.17.15. The failure by a person disciplined to abide by the additional penalties and/or requirements shall be a violation of the rules of the Board.


6.17.16 Failure of a CPA or firm permit holder to notify the Board in writing of any and all changes in mailing addresses and other data amendments required to be notified as a part of these Rules and Regulations.


6.17.17. Failure of a CPA or firm permit holder to cooperate with the Board in connection with an inquiry it shall make. Cooperation includes fully responding in a timely manner to all inquiries of the Board or representatives of the Board mailed to the last address furnished by the CPA or firm permit holder to the Board.

 

Chapter 7. Disciplinary Actions


7.7.1. For the purposes of this rule, “charge” refers to any written allegation brought to or by the Board against a certified public accountant, firm thereof, and/or other persons relating to a violation of the Rules and Regulations of the Board or the laws of the State of Mississippi pertaining thereto.
 

7.7.2. Following the receipt of such charges or information, an investigation may be initiated. Unless a charge is dismissed as frivolous, unfounded, or filed in bad faith, or dismissed for other good cause; resolved by a consent order or other informal disposition, a formal complaint shall be filed and the matter shall proceed to hearing in accordance with the provisions of Section 73-33-11 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended.
 

Chapter 8. State Board of Public Accountancy


Section 8.1. Appointments

8.1.1. The Board shall consist of seven members, duly appointed by the Governor of the State of Mississippi.


8.1.2. If for any reason a vacancy shall occur on the Board, the Chair will provide a notice to the Governor and ask for the appointment of a new member to fill the unexpired term of the previous member.


8.1.3. Board appointees must hold valid CPA licenses issued by the Board and be qualified electors in the State of Mississippi.


 

Section 8.2. Meetings, Organization, and Duties

8.2.1. Meetings of the Board shall be conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order insofar as such rules are compatible with the laws of the State governing the Board or its own resolutions as to its conduct. No Board action shall be invalidated by reasons of failure to comply with those rules. All meetings will be open to the public.


8.2.2. The Board shall meet on a regular basis, generally monthly, with no less than six formal board meetings annually.


8.2.3. The Board shall elect from its members, a Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary of the Board for calendar year terms. Such election shall be held during the first regularly scheduled Board meetings of the calendar year, normally convened in January of each year. Any member missing three (3) consecutive meetings for reasons other than illness shall be subject to removal on majority vote of the Board members.


8.2.4. A majority of the members appointed and serving on the Board shall constitute a quorum and no business shall be transacted by the Board in the absence of a quorum.


8.2.5. All actions of the Board are to be reflected in the minutes of the Board.


8.2.6. Meetings may be called by any four (4) members of the Board or by its Chair.


8.2.7. When present, the Chair shall preside at all meetings. The Chair shall appoint such committees as the Board may authorize and may delegate the signing of official documents. The Chair shall have overall responsibility for correspondence relating to enforcement; shall serve as the official spokesman of the Board; and shall have such other responsibilities as assigned and such other authority as conferred by the Board.


8.2.8. The Vice Chair of the Board, in the absence of the Chair, shall perform the duties of the Chair as specified above and shall perform such other duties as the Board shall designate.


8.2.9. The Secretary of the Board shall be responsible for the permanent records of the meetings and transactions of the Board, the maintenance of an attendance record, and the maintenance of records of all examinations, registrations, and license application. The Secretary shall also be responsible for the maintenance of a record of certificates issued to all certified public accountants, together with all necessary information relative thereto. The Secretary shall perform such other duties as in the judgment of the Board are necessary. Any of the duties of the Secretary may be delegated by action of the Board.


8.2.10. Invalid Portions - If any subcategory, rule, regulation, section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of these Rules and Regulations is for any reason held invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of such Rules and Regulations. The Board hereby declares that it would have adopted the rules, regulations and the subcategories, sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more of the subcategories, rules, regulations, sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid.


8.2.11. Effective Date - The Board Rules and Regulations shall govern all matters initiated after they take effect; and shall also govern all matters pending on the effective date, except to the extent that the Board shall determine that application to a particular pending matter would not be feasible or would work a substantial injustice in which event the procedure in effect prior to the effective date of the Rules and Regulations applies.


8.2.12. In the interpretation and enforcement of the Rules and Regulations, the Board may consider relevant interpretations, rulings, and opinions issued by the Board of other jurisdictions and appropriate committees of professional organizations, but will not be bound thereby.


8.2.13. The Executive Director, in conjunction with the Chair, shall prepare a written agenda for each Board meeting and distribute a copy of the agenda to each Board member.


8.2.14. The Board is charged with the duty of adopting and enforcing rules and regulations necessary to maintain the highest standard of proficiency in the practice of public accounting for the protection of the public interest. The Board’s mission is to protect the public welfare of the citizens of the State of Mississippi, and therefore the State’s commerce, through its oversight of certified public accountants and CPA firms. The State Board provides oversight of CPAs and CPA firms through its regulation, testing, certification, licensing, qualification and standards setting, monitoring and investigations as established by the Act and these regulations.


Section 8.3. Employees

8.3.1. Executive Director. The Board may employ an Executive Director who will serve at the will of the Board. The Executive Director shall be the administrator of the Board Office and may employ the staff necessary to conduct the activities of the Board. The Executive Director shall also be responsible for the operation of the agency in accordance with Board policy, state and federal law, and duties established by the Board. The Executive Director is empowered to make preliminary interpretations of the Act or of these rules, except that any interpretations by the Executive Director shall not be binding upon the board.
(a) Duties of the Executive Director. The Executive Director shall be responsible for receiving, filing and processing all applications, requests and notices which are required by law or by these rules to be filed with the Board. Upon receipt of any document for filing, the Executive Director shall insure that it is complete and shall inform the person filing the document of any deficiency. Upon receipt of any application requesting Board action, the Executive Director shall review the application and shall indicate thereon a recommendation for the Board action and shall cause the application to be brought to the attention of the Board, the Chair or committee designed by the Board. With respect to those matters upon which the Executive Director has recommended approval, the Board may approve them by reference. The duties of the Executive Director imposed by this rule may be discharged through the staff.
(b) The Executive Director shall also be responsible for the assignment and coordination of duties to and among the staff in order to assist the Board in the discharge of its duties.


8.3.2. Staff, Contract Workers, and Independent Contractors. The Executive Director shall employ such staff as is authorized, contract workers and independent contractors as necessary for the conduct of the Board affairs. The basis for compensation of independent contractors shall be stated in the services contract. A qualified CPA - Investigator may be employed by the Board, whose duties shall include, but not be limited to investigation of complaints against licensees and firm permit holders concerning charges of violations of the Act and/or the Rules and Regulations.


8.3.3. The Board may employ such other personnel, on a full-time or part-time basis, as it deems necessary from time to time.


8.3.4. No person may be employed by the Board whose employment would create a substantial conflict of interest based upon, but not limited to:
(a) Persons closely related by family (such as spouses or other members of the immediate family or household) or by material financial ties (as defined under the ethics regulations pertaining to independence) to a Board member or to another employee of the Board.
(b) Persons who are concurrently employed by a Board member.
 

Chapter 9. Administrative Procedures Rules


I. METHOD OF OPERATION

1. Scope. This section is promulgated pursuant to Mississippi Code of 1972, Section 25-43-2.104 of the Administrative Procedures Law.


2. Description of the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy. Title 73, Chapter 33, of the Mississippi Code of 1972, gives the State Board the authority to adopt Rules and Regulations for the purpose of carrying out its provisions. Section 73-33-5(f) of the act assigns this duty of the Board:
To adopt and enforce such rules and regulations concerning certified public accountant examinee and licensee qualifications and practices and certified public accountant firm permits and practices as the board considers necessary to maintain the highest standard of proficiency in the profession of certified public accounting and for the protection of the public interest. The standards of practice by certified public accountants and certified public accountant firms shall include generally accepted auditing and accounting standards as recognized by the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy.

The purpose of the Rules and Regulations is to promote and protect the public interest by implementing the Mississippi accountancy statutes, to better define and more clearly specify portions thereof for the guidance of certified public accountants, certified public accountant firms, those persons who rely upon the services of certified public accountants, and applicants for licensure as certified public accountants and permits as certified public accountant firms.

The public interest warrants the licensing and regulation of persons and firms who practice public accounting. A distinguishing mark of a certified public accountant is his or her acceptance of responsibility to the public. The reliance of the public, the government and the business community on sound financial reporting and advice on business affairs and the importance of these matters to the economic and social aspects of life impose particular obligations on certified public accountants. A person who practices public accounting is presumed to have accepted an obligation to uphold its principles, to work for increased knowledge and to abide by the Mississippi Public Accountancy Act, and regulations promulgated thereunder.


3. Where and How the Public may Obtain Information. The Board Rules and Regulations, as well as information regarding the Board meetings and regulatory requirements, may be obtained by visiting the Board’s website at www.mspba.state.ms.us. Requests for declaratory opinions may be made pursuant to Part III of these administrative procedure rules. Otherwise, requests made pursuant to and in accordance with the Mississippi Public Records Act may be made by submitting written requests. Other requests for information, applications, requirements, complaints, fees and other inquiries may be made to:

Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy
5 Old River Place, Suite 104
Jackson, Mississippi 39202-3449
Telephone - (601) 354-7320
Facsimile - (601) 354-7290
Web site - www.msbpa.state.ms.us
Email - email@msbpa.state.ms.us



II. ORAL PROCEEDINGS ON PROPOSED RULES

1. Scope. This rule is promulgated pursuant to Mississippi Code of 1972 Section 25-43-3.104(2)(d) of the Administrative Procedures Law, and applies to all oral proceedings held for the purpose of providing the public with an opportunity to make oral presentations on proposed new rules and amendments to rules before the Board under Section 25-43-3.104.

2. When Oral Proceedings will be Scheduled on Proposed Rules. The Board will conduct an oral proceeding on a proposed rule or amendment if requested by a political subdivision, an agency, or ten (10) persons in writing within twenty (20) days after the filing of the notice of the proposed rule.

3. Request Format. Each request must be printed or typewritten, or must be in legible handwriting. Each request must be submitted on a standard business letter-size paper (8½ inches by 11 inches). Requests may be in the form of a letter addressed to the Board, and must include the full name, telephone number, mailing address, and be signed by the requestor(s), unless represented by an attorney.

4. Notification of Oral Proceeding. The date, time, place of all oral proceedings shall be filed with the Secretary of State’s office and mailed to each requestor. The oral proceeding will be scheduled no earlier than twenty (20) days from the filing of this information with the Secretary of State.

5. Presiding Officer. The Executive Director, or his designee who is familiar with the substance of the proposed rule, shall preside at the oral proceeding on a proposed rule.

6. Public Presentations and Participation. Public participation shall be permitted at oral proceedings in accordance with the following sections.

(a) At an oral proceeding on a proposed rule, persons may make oral statements and make documentary and physical submissions, which may include data, views, comments or arguments concerning the proposed rule.

(b) Persons wishing to make oral presentations at such a proceeding shall notify the Board at least three business days prior to the proceeding and indicate the general subject of their presentations. The presiding officer in his or her discretion may allow individuals to participate that have not previously contacted the Board.

(c) At the proceeding, those who participate shall indicate their names and addresses, identify any persons or organizations they may represent, and provide any other information relating to their participation deemed appropriate by the presiding officer.

(d) The presiding officer may place time limitations on individual oral presentations when necessary to assure the orderly and expeditious conduct of the oral proceeding. To encourage joint oral presentations and to avoid repetition, additional time may be provided for persons whose presentations represent the views of other individuals as well as their own views.

(e) Persons making oral presentations are encouraged to avoid restating matters that have already been submitted in writing. Written materials may, however, be submitted at the oral proceeding.

(f) There shall be no interruption of a participant who has been given the floor by the presiding officer, except that the presiding officer may in his or her discretion interrupt or end the partisan’s time where the orderly conduct of the proceeding so requires.


7. Conduct of Oral Proceeding.

(a) Presiding officer. The presiding officer shall have authority to conduct the proceeding in his or her discretion for the orderly conduct of the proceeding. The presiding officer shall (I) call proceeding to order; (ii) give a brief synopsis of the proposed rule, a statement of the statutory authority for the proposed rule, and the reasons provided by the Board for the proposed rule; (iii) call on those individuals who have contacted the Board about speaking on or against the proposed rule; (iv) allow for rebuttal statements following all participants’ comments; (v) adjourn the proceeding.

(b) Questions. The presiding officer, where time permits and to facilitate the exchange of information, may open the floor to questions or general discussion. The presiding officer may question participants and permit the questioning of participants by other participants about any matter relating to that rule-making proceeding, including any prior written submissions made by those participants in that proceeding; but no participant shall be required to answer any question.

(c) Physical and Documentary Submissions. Submissions presented by participants in an oral proceeding shall be submitted to the presiding officer. Such submissions become the property of the Board, part of the rulemaking record, and are subject to the Board’s public records request procedure.

(d) The Board may record oral proceedings by stenographic or electronic means.


III. DECLARATORY OPINIONS

1. This rule is promulgated pursuant to Mississippi Code of 1972 Section 25-43-2.103(2) of the Administrative Procedure Law, and is intended to set forth the Board’s rules governing the form and content of requests for declaratory opinions and the Board’s procedures regarding the requests as required by Mississippi Code Section 25-43-2.103. These rules are intended to supplement and be read in conjunction with the provisions of the Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law, which may contain additional information regarding the issuance of declaratory opinions. In the event of any conflict between these rules and the Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law, the latter shall govern.

2. Persons Who May Request Declaratory Opinions. Any person with a substantial interest in the subject matter may make a request to the Board for a declaratory opinion by following the specified procedures. “Substantial interest in the subject matter” means: an individual, business, group or other entity that is directly affected by the Board’s administration of the laws within its primary jurisdiction. “Primary jurisdiction of the agency” means the agency has a constitutional or statutory grant of authority in the subject matter at issue.

3. Subjects Which May Be Addressed In Declaratory Opinions. The Board will issue declaratory opinions regarding the applicability to specified facts of: (1) a statute administered or enforceable by the Board, (2) a rule promulgated by the Board, or (3) an order issued by the Board. The Board will not issue a declaratory opinion regarding a statute or rule which is outside the primary jurisdiction of the agency.

4. Circumstances In which Declaratory Opinions Will Not Be Issued. The Board may, for good cause, refuse to issue a declaratory opinion. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the circumstances in which declaratory opinions will not be issued include, but are not necessarily limited to:

(a) the matter is outside the primary jurisdiction of the Board;

(b) lack of clarity concerning the question presented;

(c) there is pending or anticipated litigation, administrative action, or other adjudication which may either answer the question presented by the request or otherwise make an answer unnecessary;

(d) the statute, rule, or order on which a declaratory opinion is sought is clear and not in need of interpretation to answer the question presented by the request;

(e) the facts presented in the request are not sufficient to answer the question presented;

(f) the request fails to contain information required by these rules or the requestor failed to follow the procedure set forth in these rules;

(g) the request seeks to resolve issues which have become moot, or are abstract or hypothetical such that the requestor is not substantially affected by the rule, statute or order on which a declaratory opinion is sought;

(h) no controversy exists concerning the issue as the requestor is not faced with existing facts or those certain to arise which raise a question concerning the application of the statute, rule, or order;

(i) the question presented by the request concerns the legal validity of a statute, rule or order;

(j) the request is not based upon facts calculated to aid in the planning of future conduct, but is, instead, based on past conduct in an effort to establish the effect of that conduct;

(k) no clear answer is determinable;

(1) the question presented by the request involves the application of a criminal statute or sets forth facts which may constitute a crime;

(m) the answer to the question presented would require the disclosure of information which is privileged or otherwise protected by law from disclosure;

(n) the question is currently the subject of an Attorney General's opinion request or the question has been answered by an Attorney General's opinion;

(o) a similar request is pending before this agency or any other agency or a proceeding is pending on the same subject matter before any agency, administrative or judicial tribunal, or where such an opinion would constitute the unauthorized practice of law;

(p) where issuance of a declaratory opinion may adversely affect the interests of the State, the Board, or any of their officers or employees in any litigation which is pending or may reasonably be expected to arise;

(q) the questions involves eligibility for a license, permit certificate or other approval by the Board or some other agency, and there is a statutory or regulatory application process by which eligibility for said license, permit, certificate or other approval would be determined.


5. Form of the Request for a Declaratory Opinion.

(a) Written Requests Required. Each request must be printed, typewritten or in legible handwriting. Each request must be submitted on standard business letter-size paper (8½ by 11"). Requests may be in the form of a letter addressed to the Board.

(b) Where to Send Requests. All requests must be mailed or delivered to the Board office. The request and its envelope shall clearly state that it is a request for a declaratory opinion. No oral, telephone requests or email requests will be accepted.

( c) Name, Address and Signature of Requestor. Each request must include the full name, telephone number, and mailing address of the requestor. All requests shall be signed by the person filing the request, unless represented by an attorney, in which case the attorney may sign the request. The signing party shall attest that the request complies with the requirements set forth in these rules, including but not limited to a full, complete, and accurate statement of relevant facts and that there are no related proceedings pending before any agency, administrative or judicial tribunal.

(d) Single transaction. A request must be limited to a single transaction or occurrence.

(e) Question Presented. Each request must contain the following:

1. a clear and concise statement of all facts relevant to the question(s) presented;

2. a clear identification of the statute, rule or order at issue;

3. the question(s) sought to be answered in the opinion, stated clearly;

4. the identify of all other known persons involved in or impacted by the factual situation causing the request including their relationship to the facts, name, mailing address and telephone number;

5. a statement sufficient to show that the person seeking relief has a substantial interest in the subject matter.

(f) The terms of the proposed opinion suggested by the requestor may be submitted with the request or may be requested by the agency;

(g) Memorandum of Authorities. A request may contain an argument by the requestor in support of the terms of the proposed opinion suggested by the requestor. The argument may be submitted in the form of a memorandum of authorities, containing a full discussion of the reasons and any legal authorities, in support of such position of the requestor. The Board may request that the argument and memorandum of authorities be submitted by any interested party.


6. Time for Agency’s Response.

(a) Agency’s Response. Within forty-five (45) days after the receipt of a request for a declaratory opinion which complies with the requirements of these rules, the Board shall, in writing:

1. issue an opinion declaring the applicability of the specified statute, rule, or order to the specified circumstances;

2. decline to issue a declaratory opinion, stating the reasons for its action; or

3. agree to issue a declaratory opinion or a written statement declining to issue a declaratory opinion, by a specified time but no later than ninety (90) days after receipt of the written request.

(b) When Period Begins. The forty-five (45) day period shall begin on the first State of Mississippi business day that the request is received by the Board.

( c) Opinion Not Final for Sixty Days. A declaratory opinion shall not become final until the expiration of sixty (60) days after the issuance of the opinion. Prior to the expiration of sixty (60) days, the Board may, in its discretion, withdraw or amend the declaratory opinion for any reason which is not arbitrary or capricious. Reasons for withdrawing or amending an opinion include, but are not limited to, a determination that the request failed to meet the requirements of these rules or that the opinion issued contains a legal or factual error.


7. Procedure After Request for Declaratory Opinion Received.

(a) Notice by Board. The Board may give notice to any person, agency or entity that a declaratory opinion has been requested and may receive and consider data, facts, arguments and opinions from persons, agencies or other entities other than the requestor.

(b) Notice by Requestor. The requestor, or his attorney, shall append to the request for a declaratory opinion a listing of all persons, with addresses, known to the requestor who may have an interest in the declaratory opinion sought to be issued, and shall mail a copy of the request to all such persons. The requestor or his attorney shall certify that a copy of the request was mailed to all such persons together with this statement: "Should you wish to participate in the proceedings of this request, or receive notice of such proceedings or the declaratory opinion issued as a result of this request, you should contact the Board within twenty days of the date of this request."


8. Hearings at the Discretion of the Agency.

(a) Provision for Hearing. If the Board in its sole discretion deems a hearing necessary or helpful in determining any issue concerning a request for a declaratory opinion, the Board may schedule such a hearing. Notice of the hearing shall be given to all interested parties unless waived. Notice mailed by first class mail seven (7) calendar days prior to the hearing shall be deemed appropriate.

(b) Proceedings at the Hearing. The procedure for conducting a hearing, including but not limited to the manner of presentation, the time for presentation, and whether and how evidence may be taken, shall be within the discretion of the Board.

(c) Persons Appearing at the Hearing. The Board shall allow the requestor to participate in any hearing. The Board may allow any other persons or entities to participate in the hearing.


9. Public Availability of Requests and Declaratory Opinions. Declaratory opinions and requests for declaratory opinions shall be available for public inspection and copying at the expense of the viewer during normal business hours. All declaratory opinions and requests shall be indexed by name and subject. Declaratory opinions and requests which contain information which is confidential or exempt from disclosure under the Mississippi Public Records Act or other laws shall be exempt from this requirement and shall remain confidential.


10. Effect of a Declaratory Opinion. The Board will not pursue any civil, criminal or administrative action against a person who is issued a declaratory opinion from the Board, and who, in good faith, follows the direction of the opinion and acts in accordance therewith unless a court of competent jurisdiction holds that the opinion is manifestly wrong. Any declaratory opinion rendered by the Board shall be binding on the Board and the person to whom the opinion is issued. No declaratory opinion will be used as precedent for any other transaction or concurrence beyond that set forth by the requesting person.
 

Schedule of Fees

CPA EXAMINATION

*First Time Board Application Fee - $150
(Nonrefundable for all first time applications 1-4 sections)

*Re-examination Board Application Fee (Nonrefundable)
Four sections -   $135
Three sections - $115
Two sections -   $95
One section -     $75

Transfer of credits to/from another State Board - $50


* Fees for the AICPA, NASBA, and Prometric (Sylvan) are also
collected by the Board and held for the candidate for transfer
to these entities. These entities set fees separate from the Board.
The Board will display such fees on the examination application.


CPA LICENSE

Annual and initial registration  - $100

Late fee - $150

Processing fees:
Mississippi initial application - $100
Reciprocal initial application - $100
Reinstatement of license -     $200

Transfer of status to/from another State Board - $50

Replacement certificate of licensure - $100


CPA FIRM PERMIT

Annual and initial registration - $00 (No Fee)


OTHER

Name and address listing - CPAs or candidates -    $100
Name and address labels for CPAs or candidates -  $200
Public Information § 25-61-1 et.seq.
     Copy of Board Rules and Regulations - $25
     Other copies - $ .35 per copy if self-copied
                       - $1.00 per copy if copied by Board staff